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Book.wl4. 



THE HISTORY OF 

ContraCostaCounty 



CALIFORNIA 



EDITED BY 



F^J. HULANISKI 




IN ONE VOLUME 

ILLUSTRATED 



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Published by 
THE ELMS PUBLISHING CO., Inc. 

BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA 
I 9 I 7 



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Printed by Taylor &■ Taylor, San Francisco 



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PREFACE 

In presenting this new history of Contra Costa County to the public, 
we do so in the earnest hope that it will prove to be the most complete 
compilation of local chronicles that has up to this time been offered to 
our citizens. The authenticity of the facts contained in the various arti- 
cles is as absolute as the utmost care could make it. The data have been 
procured from the best-known authorities, and the biographical 
sketches, when completed, were subjected to the most searching exami- 
nation for verification and correction. That no errors will be discovered 
in this production is too much to hope for; but we do most certainly 
trust that if any misstatements there be, either in number or by their na- 
ture, they will not be found sufficiently important to detract from that 
character for reliability which it has been our constant aim and en- 
deavor to impart to this history. 

In this new work the design has been to make clear the development 
of ideas and institutions from epoch to epoch. The social and economic 
conditions of the people have been preserved in the narrative, and much 
attention has been paid to describing the civil characteristics of the sev- 
eral towns and cities, both in the conduct of their local affairs and in the 
relation to each other and the county at large. It has been our object in 
this work to hew straight to the line, simply satisfied to furnish such in- 
formation as we were able to gather concerning important matters or 
interesting events, and where the desired materials were lacking we have 
not attempted to supply the deficiency by filling in the vacant niches 
with products of the imagination. We have not striven for effect ; our 
object is merely to give an authentic account of facts recent and remote, 
disposed in a proper and orderly manner, so as to enable our readers to 
clearly understand the history of their community from its origin down 
to the present day. 

This work is a collection of data by a staff of contributors consisting 
of the most accurate and capable writers in their respective fields in the 
county, who here crystallize and preserve the material they have gath- 
ered from many sources. 



IV 



PREFACE 



Never, so far as I am aware, has any local history in any county been 
prepared as this has been. Each writer is in a position to speak with 
absolute authority upon the subject of which he treats, and it was the 
intention of the editor that each should present in the most attractive 
and concise form such material relative to the matter of which he writes 
as had not appeared in any previous publication. How far that hope has 
been realized the critical reader may judge. It has also been the aim of 
the editor to limit the sketches to a statement of such facts as will be 
of interest to the readers of today and of importance to those of the 
years to come. 

In sending forth this volume we trust that, in addition to its value as 
a depository of accurate information and useful knowledge, it will prove 
an effective instrument in creating a more lively public sentiment re- 
garding historical subjects, and that it will especially foster an interest 
in the annals of our own county. If my collaborators and myself have 
helped to perpetuate the memory of the heroism, the fortitude, the suf- 
fering, and the achievement of the men and women who placed Contra 
Costa County, California, in the foremost rank of the counties of this 
State, we shall be content. 

F. J. HuLANiSKi, Editor. 



CONTENTS 
PART I 

Chapter I page 

The Indians i 

Chapter II 
Early History of California 6 

Chapter III 
Mexican Land Grants — Pen-pictures of Early Days lO 

Chapter IV 
Pioneer Citizens 19 

Chapter V 
The Bear Flag War 30 

Chapter VI 
Extracts from General John A. Sutter's Diary 66 

Chapter VII 
Settlement and Early History 79 

Chapter VIII 
Climate — Soil — Horticulture — Agriculture 88 

Chapter IX 
Mines and Minerals 92 

Chapter X 
San Ramon Valley 97 

Chapter XI 
Central Contra Costa Coimty 102 

Chapter XII 
Eastern Contra Costa County 116 

Chapter XIII 
Doctor John Marsh 133 

Chapter XIV 
Mount Diablo 136 

Chapter XV 
Summary of the County's Resources 141 

Chapter XVI 
Early Criminal History 145 

Chapter XVII 
Bench and Bar 194 

Chapter XVIII 
Educational 205 

Chapter XIX 
Library Development 229 



vi CONTENTS 

Chapter XX page 

Religious 236 

Chapter XXI 
The Medical Profession 248 

Chapter XXII 
Banking 271 

Chapter XXIII 
Transportation 283 

Chapter XXIV 
Fraternal Societies 296 

Chapter XXV 
Martinez 309 

Chapter XXVI 
Richmond 326 

Chapter XXVII 
Antioch 355 

Chapter XXVIII 
Danville 381 

Chapter XXIX 
Pittsburg 383 

Chapter XXX 
Bay Point 390 

Chapter XXXI 
Crockett 393 

Chapter XXXII 
Oakley and Sand Lands 399 

Chapter XXXIII 
Knightsen 404 

Chapter XXXIV 
Rodeo 407 

Chapter XXXV 
Walnut Creek 412 

Chapter XXXVI 
Pinole 421 

Chapter XXXVII 
Port Costa 423 

Chapter XXXVIII 
Avon 424 

Chapter XXXIX 
Byron 426 



PART II 

Biographical 431 



INTRODUCTORY 

BY THE EDITOR 

I CAME to California the first time many years ago, before the trans- 
continental railroads had laid their span across the Great American 
Desert, coming from New York to San Francisco by way of the Isth- 
mus of Panama. There is as great a difference between the California 
of today and the California of the days of ox-teams and "prairie schoon- 
ers" as there is between the aforenamed desert and the Garden of Eden 
as allegorically described. 

Contra Costa County was at that time composed in the main of sev- 
eral large cattle ranches, owned by Spaniards, Mexicans, and Portu- 
guese, with here and there a tiny country crossroads village. It shipped 
a little wheat and barley to San Francisco in a primitive way, by small 
sailboats; but agriculture was secondary to the live-stock interests. A 
cattle ranch in the olden days consisted generally of what might be con- 
sidered now a fair-sized township, or even a county. There were miles 
upon miles of as good and fair land as ever lay out of doors then only 
a barren waste. 

People came clear around the Horn in sailing-ships, taking months 
for the journey, or took a short cut across the Isthmus, as I did, to get 
here quickly — in about two months. It was at the end of the earth — 
"No Man's Land," the jumping-off place of creation. Only those who 
were seeking adventure, or those who joined the gold rush of 1849 and 
came via ox-team, or those whose health and longevity might be pro- 
moted by an exile from civilization and a change of name as well as en- 
vironment and climate, ventured to where the sun went to bed in efful- 
gent splendor in or apparently near the Golden Gate. I was not actuated, 
I desire to add by way of parenthesis, by the latter reason. 

My second journey to the then famous though still more or less mys- 
terious land of the setting sun, the yellow poppy, the luscious fruits 
and myriad flowers was six years ago, in search of health, climate, and 
sea-level, and I found them all here in Contra Costa County, where any- 



viii INTRODUCTORY 

body may find them, with long life, happiness, and comparative riches 
thrown in for good measure. 

Because it was so far west of the center of the country's population, 
for half a century or more California and Contra Costa County lay 
basking in sunshine and soft sea-breezes, almost unknown, compara- 
tively speaking, to the outside world. Nearly all the immigrants from 
over the Atlantic poured through Castle Garden into New York, and 
from there a few of them gradually drifted westward; but the West of 
former days was in Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Beyond that was a 
trackless waste ranged by buffalo and peopled by Indians, across which 
the pony express dashed its perilous way. 

When it is considered that two thousand miles of barren mountains, 
plains, and deserts lay between California and the States east of the 
Mississippi, not even a railroad crossing them until the rest of the coun- 
try began to get thickly populated, there should be little wonder that 
this region was slow in gaining settlers. All that vast domain had to be 
populated before the restless tide of immigration reached the Pacific 
Coast. Years passed, new generations grew up, and still this great re- 
gion, as large as an empire in itself, was sparsely inhabited, its match- 
less climate and wonderful resources neglected save by the natives and 
practically unknown to mankind. The rush of the gold-seekers in 1849 
started the tide in this direction ; then came the railroads, then the peo- 
ple, slowly but surely, when the history of this peerless climate and 
these heretofore unheard-of natural resources began to leak out to a 
small extent in the outside world. 

Nevertheless, the flow of immigration for a time came at a slow pace. 
In recent years, however, a great change has taken place, the result of 
conditions in the crowded East and the rapid settling of the Middle 
West. A telegram is now delivered in an hour ; a letter in three or four 
days, instead of a month or longer. New York and San Francisco bus- 
iness men visit one another personally every day in the year, and think 
no more of it than the former did in going out west to Chicago. 

In noting the wondrous changes v/hich have taken place even within 
my own memory, which in matters historical includes comparatively 
but a fleeting second of time, I feel that it is quite reasonable, and even 
conservative, to predict that in another such "second of time," during 
the lives of our children of today, as great changes, or even greater, 



INTRODUCTORY ix 

because this is a more progressive age, are sure to take place, and just 
as large and important cities as New York and Chicago will be builded 
here in California, at least one of them right here in Contra Costa Coun- 
ty — at Richmond, which has grown from nothing a dozen years ago to 
a city of 2^,000 inhabitants as this book is written. 

I lived in Chicago before its great fire, and in San Francisco before 
the railroads crossed the country intervening, and neither of them was 
very much in the way of a city then. Both these cities had street-cars 
drawn by horses with bells tinkling on their necks ; both had men carry- 
ing little ladders which they climbed and lighted with sulphur matches 
the gas-lamps on the street corners; the telegrapher printed his mes- 
sages on a long roll of white paper in dots and dashes ; of telephones 
there were none ; a bathtub was a luxury of the rich ; and if you had as 
much as five thousand dollars you were in the plutocratic class. And all 
that was merely as of yesterday, as time is considered, and yet the on- 
ward march of civilization has removed all of these difficulties and 
many more. Now one can buy a ticket to San Francisco from Chicago 
or other common points for about fifty dollars and roll in here in a 
palace car containing bath, barber-shop, dining-car, library-car, and 
brunette porters with blonde whisk-brooms to brush you off at "two- 
bits" per. 

Now the farmers and fruit-growers of Contra Costa County are rid- 
ing around in two automobiles, one to take the family to the moving- 
picture show in town and the other for the hired man to honk-honk the 
butter and eggs and turnips and baled hay and strawberries and several 
hundred other nice things in and exchange them for bank stock, mort- 
gages on brick blocks, and machines which cut the wheat, thresh it, and 
sack it ready for market all at the same time — and probably for the 
next generation they will also grind it into flour, bake it into biscuits, 
and spread thereon the butter and jam. 

In Contra Costa County, California, there is no winter, unless one 
climbs a high mountain in search of it — just a nice, equitable, refresh- 
ing rainy season in the so-called winter months to give old Mother Na- 
ture a bath and make the hills and valleys still greener. The only way 
one can tell it is Christmas-time here is when the merchants make a 
noise about it in the advertising columns of the newspapers and admon- 
ish all to do their Christmas shopping early. 



X INTRODUCTORY 

Here one works out of doors every day in the year, if one wants to, 
in shirt-sleeves, and the markets abound with luscious fruits and vege- 
tables fresh out of the garden 365 days of the year. One can get a big 
mess of strawberries almost any day, winter or summer, grown in this 
county and as fine as were ever embellished by cream and sugar, for 
ten cents a box on an average. 

Summer is just the same — bracing breezes from the Pacific come 
just strong enough to wave the grass and grain and flowers and keep 
away malaria, the blistering hot winds of the Middle West plains, and 
the sunstroke and prostration of the Far East. Roses and millions of 
other beautiful flowers give their beauty to the scene and their fragrance 
to the breeze. Pick a ripe orange off the tree in your back yard and the 
blossoms for others are right there at the same time. Times are good, 
work is plentiful for all who desire work, and good wages are paid. 
Surely it is a favored land ! 

It is a fair land, also, this county of Contra Costa, California. It sig- 
nifies "Across the Coast," and so it is — across the coast one way from 
the world-famous cosmopolitan city of San Francisco, and across the 
coast in another way from a goodly country stretching out toward the 
north to Oregon, famous also for its apples and umbrellas. I have trav- 
eled much and far and for many years, searching always for the coun- 
try that combined the ideals, and if I have not found it here, then I at 
least have the satisfaction of knowing that it does not exist on this mun- 
dane sphere, but that it is on beyond the clouds, where gold is used for 
street-paving, where the graphophone is succeeded by harps and horns, 
where Paris does not set the fashion of crowns and gowns, and where 
one has to die to get a one-way ticket in Charon's boat thereto. 

And after reaching such a land as this golden and glorious California, 
still I traveled, searching out its most favored spot, and found it, too, 
right here in the county of Contra Costa, a veritable Western empire in 
itself, as the reader may judge by a perusal of the succeeding pages of 
its history. One must travel, even after reaching California, to find the 
combination of ideals he may have in mind, for this State is approxi- 
mately four hundred miles wide and seven hundred miles long, and em- 
braces every type of scenery, climate, altitude, and condition imagin- 
able, all within its own boundaries. 

In the high Sierras are the snow, the towering mighty mountains, the 



INTRODUCTORY xi 

rocks and altitudes, and the gold, silver, lead, copper, zinc, tungsten, 
and other precious minerals which pour out their constant stream to en- 
rich the world and all mankind. To the south stretches hundreds of 
miles of yellow oranges, lemons, and other semi-tropical fruits in or- 
chards laden with a lusciousness known wherever in the world man 
dwells in civilization. Between are more hundreds of miles of melons, of 
grapes, of nuts, of vegetables, and of fruitage and flowers such as no 
other country on the globe produces. And here in Contra Costa they all 
are combined and rolled into one glorious whole ! 

Here is gold in the sands of the streams, silver and lead and other 
metals in the hills, coal beds rich in bitumen, oranges a-plenty for home 
consumption, grapes that excel the vineyards of Italy, and in such pro- 
fusion that here is located the largest winery in the world, besides many 
smaller ones. Here one looks down from the hills at the clouds and 
mists of the bay below, and then comes down into eternal summer and 
perennial sunshine and genial warmth. Here the walnut and the almond 
grow in such profusion that hundreds of carloads of them are shipped 
to the markets of the world every season, with a growth of almost 
every known vegetable so plentiful that they go out by trainloads and 
shiploads far and near. In the Antioch section of this history it will be 
noted that celery and asparagus are shipped to the Atlantic seaboard, 
not by the carload but by the trainload, and that the trains are many and 
long. This county has seventy miles of water-front, on the San Francis- 
co Bay, the San Pablo Bay, the Carquinez Straits, and the Sacramento 
River, and at Pittsburg and Bay Point the fisheries maintained are so 
immense in their output and value as to rival the countries of the North 
or East, the large cities being suppUed with fresh fish every day in the 
year, and the canneries there employing hundreds of men and women. 
Richmond is known far and wide as ''the Pittsburg of the West,'' be- 
cause of its great manufacturing interests, where such industries as the 
Standard Oil works, with the second largest oil refinery in the world, 
the Pullman car-shops, the great pipe and steel works, porcelain fac- 
tories, and dozens of others pour out to ports all over the world a con- 
tinual stream of manufactured products, have hundreds of millions in- 
vested, employ thousands of skilled artizans, and maintain pay-rolls ag- 
gregating close to a million a month. 

So, it will be seen, this marvelous county not only combines a vast 



xii INTRODUCTORY 

diversity of industries and opportunities, but a diversity of products 
and vocations, a diversity of hill and dale, of orange groves and mines, 
of ocean, bay, and river, of agriculture, viniculture, and live-stock, al- 
most anything on earth one may be looking for or desirous of obtaining. 
And above all and over all floats serene and ever joyful and salubrious 
a climate made to order for the enjoyment of mankind by some higher 
power than we know of save by tradition and intuition. 

Now, just a few words about scenery, for scenery is always interest- 
ing. There is more scenery here in this county of Contra Costa than in 
any other one spot of equal area this writer has ever visited, and the 
great Yosemite, the Grand Canon, and the Garden of the Gods are all 
old acquaintances. Here the scenery of mountain, of valley, and of sea 
are all rolled together in one brain-tangling profusion and immensity 
like some vast scroll, until one becomes lost in the labyrinth of kaleido- 
scopic vistas spread out to view from all points of the compass — and it 
is, like the climate, all free ! 

And speaking of "The Garden of the Gods," it shall here be asserted 
and set down as a fact that Contra Costa County, CaUfornia, is more 
entitled to that name than any spot in Colorado or elsewhere. For that 
reason, and because of its entire appropriateness to this favored section, 
I shall appropriate it here and now, and trust that succeeding genera- 
tions and other historians who shall come upon the scene when we of 
today have earned and gone to eternal rest, may hand it down to other 
generations and historians — The Garden of the Gods! 

At Colorado Springs they have a Garden of the Gods, composed of a 
"cave of the winds," a balancing rock, and several other freaks of na- 
ture hewn out of red sandstone by the waters of early ages, and these 
they capitalized for many thousands, and got the money, and will get 
more thousands, but the gods have moved away. And no one could 
blame the gods, after comparing that garden with this one, from the 
viewpoint of both gods and men, as near as mere man can make such a 
calculation. You cannot see the gods here in their new abiding-place ; 
but if you are in touch with Nature and Nature's wondrous and beauti- 
ful things, you can feel their presence and talk to them, and hear them 
talk to you, in the same language that the little pink mystery murmurs 
to you out of the whispering depths of the seashell ; the same language 
as the twang on the harp of godlike inspiration which comes to you out 



INTRODUCTORY xiii 

of the panorama of a scenic magnificence and grandeur spread out to 
view like a leaf torn from one of Milton's great epic poems, or the sigh- 
ing of the pines and redwoods on the high hilltops in the soft breezes of 
the sea. 

If you would view this Garden of the Gods, go high up on the serpen- 
tine boulevard around and on top of the Sob ran te hills, overlooking the 
bays and ocean, high above Oakland, above Berkeley, Piedmont, and 
Richmond, or on over the Pinole hills to Martinez, or to Mount Diablo 
in the Concord and Walnut Creek sections of the county, and there 
eight or nine great California counties lift up their scenic marvels of 
beauteous splendor for a mixture of awe and admiration — surely a fit 
habitation for the gods. And there the nodding palms and pines and 
myriads of sweet-faced poppies and other flowers say that the gods are 
at home and bid you welcome. 

A magnificent boulevard, costing the capitalists who built it something 
like thirty thousand dollars a mile, winds around, through, and over 
most of these hills now, from Oakland to and beyond Richmond. The 
builders of this boulevard have not only opened the most startling vista 
to the public view ; they have caused thousands of trees and millions of 
shrubs to grow where none grew before, and pink and red and white 
and yellow flowers, and green bond coupons, to blossom where erst- 
while only the sad refrain of the lonely coyote was heard screaming to 
its mate that it had been three days and a hundred miles between meals. 
This boulevard rises to imposing summits and there spreads out to view 
a scene that would take poets, painters, and musicians, as well as writ- 
ers, to adequately portray. 

This scribe put in years in the Rocky Mountains, and viewed much 
wondrous scenery, but out here by the placid Pacific, in Contra Costa 
County, California, I have seen the Royal Gorge, Marshall Pass, the 
Grand Canon of the Colorado, Eagle Pass, Toltic Gorge, and all the 
other marvels of the Rockies rolled into one, and then excelled ! Why 
should I not maintain that the name, ''The Garden of the Gods," be- 
longs to it ? 

From the view spread out from any of these Contra Costa hills, over 
the placid bosom of the bay, lies San Francisco, risen Phoenix-like 
from its ashes, with its half-million people running a Marathon race of 
commercial activity. Laving its feet are the waters of the Golden Gate, 



xiv INTRODUCTORY 

and far out beyond is the blue sky-line coming down to kiss the bluer 
ocean somewhere toward Hawaii. Yerba Buena, Alcatraz, Mare Island, 
San Quentin, the Sonoma hills, college-gowned Berkeley in the foot- 
hills below — Oakland, with madding marts of men rife with tremen- 
dous traffic, and the white pinnacle of its municipal tower piercing the 
haze, a monument to man's ambition — Richmond, with two deep-water 
bays embracing it, belching smoke from a thousand factory furnaces 
along the water-front and then stretching out in peaceful homelike 
serenity toward the hills to the east and north ! Miles and miles of state- 
ly hills and fertile valleys, trees and shrubs and flowers on beyond. If 
old Satan should take me up there and say, as he is quoted as saying 
once before, "Fall down and worship me and all you see shall be yours," 
I am afraid there would be a loud bump heard upon the salty, fragrant 
air, which would be that of my falling down ! 

The time is near, and already approaching, when much of this start- 
ling grandeur will be marred, from a natural standpoint, by the inroads 
upon it of commercial activity, for the rapid growth of the near-by cit- 
ies is reaching out to the hills and hill-surrounded vales, and spreading 
out to still more hills and vales, and the honk of the automobile, the 
clank of the trolley-car, and the pop and whang of the street-macadam- 
izing machine will soon drive the gods on over into other gardens as yet 
untrodden by even the moccasin of the aborigine. 

But for ages in the past, at present, and for a few years yet into the 
future, the roads and trails lead up and up and around among Nature's 
fairest spots on earth, up over cities, villages, hills, valleys, bays, the 
ocean — up almost to the clouds, where Nature speaks a language of her 
own, and where is spread out to view hundreds of miles of this fair 
Contra Costa County, California, a veritable Garden of the Gods. 



CHAPTER I 
THE INDIANS 

IT IS generally conceded by both the early and modern California 
historians that the Pacific Coast Indians were far inferior as a race 
to the stalwart Eastern Indians, idealized by Fenimore Cooper. The 
Indians of the San Francisco Bay region formed no exception to 
this rule. They lived under the most primitive conditions, with apparent- 
ly no aspiration for the higher civiHzation that characterized the Aztecs 
and Peruvians. 

When the white man came upon the scene there were four tribes of 
Indians in Contra Costa County. These were the Juchiyunes, Acalanes, 
Bolgones, and Carquinez Indians. They knew practically nothing of the 
arts of civiHzation. All the historians of the period describe them as go- 
ing about in a state of semi-nudity, if not entirely naked. Occasionally 
the men wore a crude sort of loin-cloth and the women fashioned an 
apron from tules ; these hung from the waist to the knees fore and aft, 
and were open at the sides. In the winter they wore crude garments 
made from deerskins or feathers of waterfowls. 

Little eflFort was made toward constructing habitations. In the sum- 
mer a few boughs interwoven formed their shelter from the sun and 
occasional showers. In the winter they lived in their wickiups. The lat- 
ter, as described by Bancroft, "are sometimes erected on the level 
ground, but more frequently over an excavation three or four feet deep, 
and varying from ten to thirty feet in diameter. Round the brink of this 
hole willow poles are sunk upright in the ground and the tops drawn to* 
gether, forming a conical structure, or the upper ends are bent over and 
driven into the earth on the opposite side of the pit, thus giving the hut 
a semi-globular shape. Bushes or strips of bark are then piled up against 
the poles, and the whole is covered with a thick layer of earth or mud. 
In some instances the interstices of the frame are filled with twigs wov- 
en crosswise, over and under, between the poles, and the outside cover- 
ing is of tule reeds, instead of earth. A hole at the top gives egress to 



2 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

the smoke, and a small opening close to the ground admits the occu- 
pants. Each hut generally shelters a whole family of relations by blood 
and marriage, so that the dimensions of the habitation depend on the 
size of the family." 

They were short of stature, sturdily built, with broad shoulders, and 
were possessed of great strength. Their complexions were swarthy, 
with less of the copper color of the Eastern Indians. Their features 
were flat, with none of the aquiline characteristics of the legendary In- 
dian. Their coarse, straight black hair they wore long and unkempt 
They were generally beardless, although Dr. Marsh, in a letter to Lewis 
Cass in 1846, stated that ''they are a hairy race, and some of them have 
beards that would do honor to a Turk." 

Describing the Indians further, in the same letter. Dr. Marsh wrote : 
"In some individuals the hair grows quite down to the eyebrows, and 
they may be said to have no foreheads at all. Some few have that pecu- 
liar conformation of the eye so remarkable in the Chinese and Tartar 
races, and entirely different from the common American Indian or the 
Polynesian, and with this unpromising set of features, some have an an- 
imated and agreeable expression of countenance. The general expres- 
siorj of the wild Indian has nothing of the proud and lofty bearing or 
the haughtiness and ferocity so often seen east of the mountains. It is 
more commonly indicative of timidity and stupidity." 

As to food they were omnivorous, eating anything available, accord- 
ing to. the season. They ate various kinds of roots which they dug from 
the earth. Earthworms and grasshoppers formed a portion of their diet. 
They made a primitive sort of bread from the pounded kernel of the 
buckeye, and are said to have used a certain kind of fat worms for 
shortening. 

It is interesting to note that the Indians inhabiting the San Francisco 
Bay region used no canoes, substituting therefor a rude, makeshift boat 
fashioned from bundles of tules firmly bound together. These were 
about ten feet long and pointed at both ends. Until the coming of the 
Jesuit Fathers the Bay Indians had no other crafts than these tule boats, 
which were in use as late as 1840. Bancroft offers this explanation: 
"The probable cause of the absence of boats in Central California, is the 
scarcity of suitable, favorably located timber. Doubtless if the banks of 
the Sacramento and the shores of San Francisco Bay had been lined 



THE INDIANS 3 

with large, straight fir trees, their waters would have been filled with 
canoes. Yet, after all, this is but a poor excuse ; for not only on the hills 
and mountains, at a little distance from the water, are forests of fine 
trees, and quantities of driftwood come floating down every stream dur- 
ing the rainy season, out of which surely sufficient material could be 
secured for some sort of boats." 

The universal remedy prescribed by the Indians for all diseases was 
the sweat-bath. Every rancheria had its sweat-house or temescal, the 
latter name having been bestowed by the Franciscan Fathers. The pa- 
tient after perspiring in the temescal for several hours, to the point of 
exhaustion, completed the treatment by plunging into the cold waters of 
a near-by stream. The temescal was always built on the bank of a body 
of water, preferably a river. The following extract is taken from the 
account of a pioneer who underwent the ordeal : 

"A sweat-house is of the shape of an inverted bowl, is generally about 
forty feet in diameter at the bottom, and is built of strong poles and 
branches of trees, covered with earth to prevent the escape of heat. 
There is a small hole near the ground, large enough for the Diggers to 
creep in one at a time, and another at the top to give out the smoke. 
When a dance is given, a large fire is kindled in the center of the edifice, 
and the crowd assembles, the white spectators crawling in and seating 
themselves anywhere out of the way. The apertures, above and below, 
are then closed, and the dancers take their positions. 

"Four and twenty squaws, en dishabille, on one side of the fire, and 
as many hombres, in puris naturalibus, on the other. Simultaneously 
with the commencement of the dancing, which is a kind of shuffling 
hobble-de-hoy, the 'music' bursts forth. Yes, music fit to raise the dead. 
A whole legion of devils broke loose. Such screaming, shrieking, yell- 
ing, and roaring was never before heard since the foundation of the 
world. A thousand cross-cut saws filed by steam power — a multitude of 
tom-cats lashed together and flung over a clothes-line — innumerable 
pigs under a gate — all combined would produce a heavenly melody com- 
pared with it. Yet this uproar, deafening as it is, might possibly be en- 
dured, but another sense soon comes to be saluted. Talk of the thousand 
stinks of the City of Cologne! Here are at least forty thousand com- 
bined in one grand overwhelming stench." 

He then relates how he was well-nigh overcome in the oppressive at- 



4 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

mosphere, from which there was no escape. After being literally "in 
durance vile" for several hours, the apertures were suddenly thrown 
open and the Indians rushed out with a whoop and plunged into the icy 
water, emerging therefrom to sink exhausted on the bank. 

The Contra Costa Indians cremated their dead. This practice pre- 
vailed among all the Bay Indians. Farther south the Indians buried their 
dead. The mother or a near relative of the deceased was generally given 
the distinction of lighting the funeral pyre. All the possessions of the 
dead were piled around the body and were consumed in the flames. Af- 
terward the ashes were mixed with pitch and smeared on the faces of 
relatives as a badge of mourning. 

They all believed in a continued existence after death, and in all 
probability, in common with most of the Indians on this continent, had 
a vague idea of a Great Spirit. They held certain rocks to be sacred, 
and paid veneration to the grizzly bear, whose flesh they would never 
eat. 

The story of these Indians would not be complete without reference 
to their extreme docility. In the letter previously quoted. Dr. Marsh re- 
fers to them as a "race of infants." 

"In many instances," he wrote, "when a family of white people have 
taken a farm in the vicinity of an Indian village, in a short time they 
would have the whole tribe for willing serfs. They submit to flagella- 
tion with more humility than the negroes. Nothing more is necessary 
for their complete subjugation but kindness in the beginning, and a little 
well-timed severity when manifestly deserved. It is common for the 
white man to ask the Indian, when the latter has committed any fault, 
how many lashes he thinks he deserves. The Indian, with a simplicity 
and humility almost inconceivable, replies ten or twenty, according to 
his opinion of the magnitude of the oifense. The white man then orders 
another Indian to inflict the punishment, which is received without the 
least sign of resentment or discontent." 

Dr. Marsh concludes his account with the observation that "through- 
out all California the Indians are the principal laborers ; without them 
the business of the country could hardly be carried on." 

Where are the California Indians today? It is doubtful if one could 
find a score in all of Contra Costa County, and throughout the State 
they have been decimated in similar proportion. With the coming of the 



THE INDIANS 5 

white man came the plagues oi civiUzation — diseases previously un- 
known among the Indians. The white man had as a heritage the stamina 
and resistance of millions of ancestors who had successfully battled 
with disease ; the Indian had not, and Nature remorselessly swept him 
aside. Measles, smallpox, and cholera, sporadic among the white set- 
tlers, assumed the form of a pestilence among the Indians, and took toll 
of them by thousands. 

That the Indians were numerous throughout the State in early times 
is attested by many explorers, including Kit Carson. He wrote that the 
valleys of California were full of Indians in 1829, but that when he vis- 
ited the State in 1859 they had disappeared to a surprising extent. Set- 
tlers in localities where Indians were once numerous stated that they 
knew nothing of the previous history of the Indians. They had un- 
doubtedly been exterminated by a pestilence. Beyond this nothing was 
known, as the California Indians kept no records. With possibly the sole 
exception of the Aztecs, the North American Indians were not given to 
writing memorials for the future historian. Here and there throughout 
the State, however, are a vast number of piles of stone and circles of 
earth which mark the sites of once populous rancherias. Near by are 
always found the remains of the indispensable sweat-house. These, with 
their burial-places, about which are always found a large quantity of 
beads, mortars, and arrow-heads of flint, are all that remain of a once 
numerous race. 



CHAPTER II 

EARLY HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 

Before proceeding with the immediate history of Contra Costa County- 
it might be well to give a brief outline of the early history of Califor- 
nia — California, whose shores Sir Francis Drake touched and Don Gas- 
par de Portola explored ! California, the land of sunshine and flowers ! 
of romance and gold "in the days of '49" 1 

Surely it is a promising field ; but as this work is to be a history of a 
locality and not that of the State, the latter will be touched upon only in 
as far as is necessary to clear the way for what comes afterward' — the 
story of Contra Costa County. 

To go back to the very beginning, the discovery and settlement of 
California was made possible by that intrepid explorer, Vasco Nunez de 
Balboa. When he gazed out on the Pacific from the summit of a hill in 
Panama a new world was opened for discovery. He was followed by 
that ruthless adventurer, Hernando Cortez, who conquered Mexico in 
1 5 19, shamelessly butchering its people and devastating its wonderful 
cities. 

The trend was steadily toward the north, but it was not until 1542 
that a voyage of discovery was made along the California coast. Cap- 
tain Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo it was who sailed into what is now known 
as San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. In 1602 Don Sebastian Vis- 
caino, who was sent out by Philip III of Spain, discovered Monterey 
Bay, and a party under him journeyed north as far as the Columbia 
River. 

Then an English explorer and adventurer. Sir Francis Drake, on a 
marauding expedition, appeared on the scene. It has been a much dis- 
puted point with historians ever since as to whether it was in San 
Francisco Bay that Drake wintered in 1578. It is generally conceded 
now that it was not San Francisco Bay, but Drake's Bay, a few miles 
north of the former, and immediately under the lee of Point Reyes. 
Drake called the country New Albion, and took possession in the name 



EARLY HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 7 

of his sovereign, Queen Elizabeth. Little if any effort was made by the 
English to follow in the trail blazed by Drake. 

Although the Spanish settled and colonized Lower California early in 
the sixteenth century, it was not until nearly two hundred years later 
that any progress was made toward permanently locating in Upper Cal- 
ifornia, as our State was then called. The first permanent settlement in 
California was made at San Diego in 1769. There, during the same year, 
the first mission was estabUshed. 

From Lower California in 1769 an expedition set out under com- 
mand of Don Caspar de Portola, first governor of California. This ex- 
pedition was destined to have a great influence on the later history of 
California, for it was Don Caspar who discovered San Francisco Bay, 
following a journey of innumerable privations and hardships. 

Then followed the era of missions in California. The impress of the 
missions, which formed so important a part in the early history of Cali- 
fornia, is felt to this day. They stand out as historic monuments to the 
piety and zeal of their great founder, Father Junipero Serra. Beginning 
with the mission at San Diego, which he founded in 1769, he estab- 
lished between that year and his death, in 1784, twenty-one missions in 
California. In founding the mission at Monterey he rediscovered Mon- 
terey Bay, the goal of explorers ever since its first discovery by Viscai- 
no, in 1602. Mission San Carlos de Monterey became his headquarters. 
Setting out from there, the other missions were established in rapid suc- 
cession in various parts of the country. He succeeded with the Indians 
as no one else ever did before or since. He possessed a character of 
great firmness, balanced by gentleness, kindness, and patience — one best 
calculated to deal with the Indians, thousands of whom he converted to 
his faith and who universally mourned his death. 

The missions were generally quadrilateral, two stories high, and in- 
closed a courtyard embellished with fountains and trees. The sides of 
the quadrangle were usually about six hundred feet long, and the whole 
inclosed the church, storerooms, workshops, and living quarters. 

Young Indian girls inhabited one portion of the mission. They were 
given careful training and instruction by skilled matrons. Those who 
showed exceptional talent were given vocal and instrumental training. 
None were permitted to leave until of a marriageable age, this with a 
view of preserving their morality. In the men's quarters the mechanical 
and agricultural arts were taught. 



8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Let us glance at the daily routine of the missions : All arose at sun- 
rise and proceeded to the church, where they took part in devotional 
exercises. After partaking of breakfast, they took up their various du- 
ties. Following the noonday meal, they enjoyed a siesta, or rest, until 
two o'clock, after which they resumed work until about an hour before 
sundown, when the chimes of the evening angelus were heard. From 
then until supper-time all participated in evening devotions at the 
church. After supper was the time for recreation, and all took part in 
dancing, in games, and in all manner of amusements. They did not lack 
for food, their diet consisting of plenty of the choicest beef and mut- 
ton, with vegetables, wheat cakes, and porridge. Such, in brief, was the 
life of the Indians at the missions. 

We will pass rapidly over the next period, during which California 
belonged to Mexico, which acquired her independence from Spain in 
1 82 1, largely through the efforts of one Iturbide, who during the same 
year caused himself to be declared emperor of Mexico. 

This was the time of great land grants. Any citizen of good character, 
by the payment of a small fee to the Mexican Government, could secure 
a grant of land of from one to eleven square leagues. These great do- 
mains were known as ranchos, and their owners were rancheros. Over 
their broad acres ranged thousands of cattle, since cattle-raising was the 
one and only industry. The rancheros, who formed the aristocracy of 
California prior to American occupation, were extremely hospitable, 
keeping open house the year round. They were fond of social pleasures, 
especially of music and dancing, and even their horses were taught to 
step in time to the guitar. Few, if any, could boast of pure Castilian de- 
scent, a varying admixture of Indian blood being the rule, yet many of 
the women were of notable beauty. Both sexes dressed in a striking and 
picturesque manner. The men wore wide pantaloons, laced with ribbons 
through eyelets from the waistband to the hips and fastened with im- 
mense silver buttons. For a cloak they wore a gaily colored serape, made 
from a blanket with a hole cut in the center, through which the head 
was inserted. The serape hung down to the knees. They were shod with 
highly polished boots, from which jangled heavy silver spurs, and a 
broad sombrero tilted back on their heads completed the spectacular 
costume. The sefioritas were no less adept at decking themselves out to 
advantage, especially on a gala occasion. The favorite ballroom dress 



EARLY HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 9 

was a scarlet petticoat, softened in tone by being covered by a white 
lawn skirt, while a black velvet waist plentifully decked with spangles 
heightened the attractive costume. Their only head-dress was the man- 
tilla, or shawl. They were the personification of grace and were famous 
for their dancing. 

The men were skilled equestrians, and spent a large part of their time 
in the saddle. One of their favorite amusements was to pick a silver dol- 
lar from the ground while riding by at a gallop. No less skilled were 
they with the riata, which formed a dangerous weapon in their hands, 
whether directed against a bull, a bear, or a human enemy. 

They were all devout Catholics, their priests belonging to the Fran- 
ciscan order. Numerous were the saints' days which they kept, in addi- 
tion to Sundays, which made their working week often much shorter 
than that observed in this modern age of efficiency. 

Their homes were built of adobe, a black clayey loam, which they 
made into sun-dried bricks, admirably adapted to primitive building 
conditions. Rough timbers with the bark removed were used for joists 
and beams, rushes and chaparral sufficing for a thatched roof. When 
whitewashed within and without the whole was beautiful in its sim- 
plicity; nor were they lacking in durability, for many of them are in 
an excellent state of preservation to this day. 

Beef and beans, well seasoned with chile peppers, formed the most 
important part of their diet, and these the sefioras were capable of pre- 
paring in many dishes that were extremely appetizing. Their bread was 
made from maize ground between two stones, and was baked in the 
form of thin wafers, known as tortillas. 

In 1846 the United States went to war with Mexico, after which, by 
the treaty of 1848, California became American territory. One year 
later, a date now famous, the era of the argonauts began. James W. 
Marshall discovered gold while digging a mill-race for Captain Sutter 
at Coloma, and in 1849 people began flocking to California from the 
ends of the earth. Round the Horn they came in clipper ships, or across 
the plains behind ox-teams. The golden halo of romance settled over 
California, adventurous spirits wooed Fortune at every turn and be- 
came wealthy over night. In 1850 California had sufficient population to 
admit her to the Union — and here we shall begin the history of Contra 
Costa County. 



CHAPTER III 

MEXICAN LAND GRANTS— PEN-PICTURES OF EARLY DAYS 

This chapter deals with the period of great Mexican land grants, those 
vast dominions of California under the Mexican regime which stretched 
over thousands of acres of the most fertile lands and laid the founda- 
tion for the fortunes of numerous families. 

Prior to the cession of California to the United States in 1848, it was 
possible for any citizen of good character to pay a nominal fee to the 
Mexican Government and receive a grant of land covering from one to 
eleven square leagues. Scores of these large grants were distributed 
over Contra Costa County. Throughout the central and southern part of 
California the Mexican Government gave away these grants with a lav- 
ish hand. When California became American territory the United 
States sent a representative, William Carey Jones, to California and 
Mexico to make a special study of land grants. This was done with a 
view of establishing a perfect title, wherever possible, so that no hard- 
ship might be experienced by the then residents of California through 
the change in governments. In most instances a bona fide title was 
granted by the United States without inconvenience to the original 
holders. In later years, however, partition suits were instituted by the 
heirs of these families, whose descendants were numbered by scores. 
These famous suits were carried on through the courts for years, until 
final decrees in partition were handed down, some of them of very re- 
cent date. 

The most famous of the partition suits were those affecting the Welch 
ranch or Rancho las Juntas, the Rancho el Sobrante suit, settled in re- 
cent years, and the Marsh grant litigation, known as the suit of T. I. 
Bergin against Charles B. Sanford, finally partitioned in May, 1912. 
Much valuable information on early land grants is contained in a his- 
torical sketch written by Judge Thomas A. Brown and published in the 
Contra Costa Gazette in 1876, a portion of which follows : 

"During the year 1823 Francisco Castro made application to the Mex- 



MEXICAN LAND GRANTS— PEN-PICTURES OF EARLY DAYS n 

ican authorities for the San Pablo Rancho, and Ignacio Martinez for 
the Pinole Rancho, to the extent of four leagues of land each. These 
men, who were the pioneer white settlers in our county, planted vine- 
yards and pear orchards at their ranchos more than half a century ago.'^ 
They made little other improvements; each of them built an adobe 
house and a few corrals. Their neighbors then were the famiUes of Per- 
alta, at San Antonio, and Castro, at San Lorenzo, until about the year 
1826, when Jose Maria Amador settled upon the San Ramon Rancho, 
at Dublin, where he obtained a grant of four leagues of land. During 
the year 1828 Valencia occupied the Alcalanes Rancho, at Lafayette, 
Moraga the Lagunas Palos Colorados, or Redwood Rancho, and Felipe 
Briones the Briones Rancho. Each of these persons made application to 
the Government for a grant of land; Valencia for three-fourths of a 
league, and the others for three leagues each. Briones was soon after- 
ward killed by the Indians, near where the town of Clayton now is, 
while himself and some of his neighbors were attempting to recover 
some stock which had been stolen by the Indians, and which they were 
driving toward the San Joaquin plains. During the same year Silvio Pa- 
checo founded the Monte del Diablo Rancho, and settled where the 
village of Concord is situated, where he has ever since resided, and 
about the same time Juana Pacheco, a widow, made appHcation for title 
to the San Miguel Rancho. At that time she resided at San Jose ; Ygna- 
cio Sibrian, her nephew, occupied the ranch for her, and built an adobe 
house near Walnut Creek. These persons afterward obtained grants of 
land of four square leagues each. During the year 1832 Mariano Cas- 
tro and Bartolo Pacheco settled upon and made application for the San 
Ramon Rancho. About the same time William Welch, a Scotchman by 
birth, petitioned for the tract known as the Welch Rancho, on which a 
portion of the town of Martinez is situated. Welch resided but a short 
time on the rancho, and, in consequence of the hostiUty of the Indians 
and the entire absence of security, he left the ranch in charge of a few 
vaqueros and removed his family to San Jose. Welch made his settle- 
ment at the place known as the Welch homestead, near Walnut Creek. 
Soon after, and about the years 1832 and 1833, the Romero brothers 
settled at the place known as Tice Valley, and made application for a 
grant to the sobrante or vacant land lying between the ranchos of San 

^Now nearly a century ago, — Editor. 



12 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Ramon, Welch Rancho, Alcalanes, and Moraga. They occupied the 
place for many years, but their application for a grant was finally re- 
jected. 

''About the year 1836 two brothers, Jose Miguel and Antonio Mesa, 
settled upon the New York Rancho, near the place known as Kirker's 
Pass, and made application to the Government for a grant of the place 
to the extent of two leagues, which was granted to them under the 
name of Los Medanos. During the same year Miranda Higuera and 
Alviso settled upon and made application for a grant for the place 
called Canada de los Vaqueros, and Jose Noriega made appUcation for 
the Rancho los Meganos, known as the Marsh Rancho, consisting of 
three square leagues of land. During the following year, 1837, Noriega 
sold the rancho to Doctor John Marsh, who settled upon it in the same 
year, and occupied it afterward until his death, which occurred in 
1856. So the Doctor w^as the first native-born American citizen who ever 
resided permanently in this county or within its territorial limits as 
originally defined. 

''The Indians, then roaming in bands over the Sacramento and San 
Joaquin valleys, made a regular business of raiding upon the ranchos 
in the district north of San Jose and east of the Bay of San Francisco. 
The inhabitants of that district were forced to keep constant watch to 
prevent them from driving away all of their stock, and in their efforts 
to recover their animals from the Indians it frequently occurred that 
the latter would give battle to their pursuers, and sometimes were vic- 
torious, and in such cases they would get away with the stock. 

"Until about 1847, and during the first ten years of his residence on 
his ranch. Doctor Marsh's neighbors, comprising all the people who 
then had lands and resided within the present limits of this county, 
were the Mesas, on the New York Rancho, Miranda and Higuera, on 
the Cafiada de los Vaqueros, Salvio Pacheco, on the Monte del Diablo, 
Ygnacio Sibrian, on the San Miguel, all then considered to be adjoining 
ranchos, the haciendas, or dwelling-places, on each of them being from 
twelve to fifteen miles from his. His other neighbors, living from twen- 
ty to forty miles from him, were Jose Maria Amador, at the San Ramon 
Rancho, Pacheco and Castro, on the Rancho San Ramon, Ygnacio 
Martinez, at Pinole, Moraga, at the Redwoods, Valencia, at the Aca- 
lanes, the family of Francisco Castro, at San Pablo, and the vaqueros 



MEXICAN LAND GRANTS— PEN-PICTURES OF EARLY DAYS 13 

t)f Welch, on the Welch Ranch, the widow and family of Felipe Bri- 
ones, on the Briones Rancho. 

"The ranch-owners usually had employed a few vaqueros to herd and 
care for their stock. These vaqueros were generally mission (or Christ- 
ianized) Indians. Such was the condition of the country here at the 
close of the war. 

*'Very little attention was given to agricultural pursuits further than 
that nearly every ranch-owner cultivated a few acres of beans and corn 
and a small potato patch, with a few other vegetables, and a few square 
rods planted in melons. This was about the extent of farming carried 
on at the different ranches. Also all of the rancheros, when locating 
their ranches, planted small vineyards and pear-trees. Many of these 
vineyards and trees bear fruit to this day. 

''At the close of the war about forty-six leagues, embracing about 
three hundred and twenty square miles of land, was owned or held by 
persons named in this county. Previous to the settlement in this county 
by Americans and other foreigners, as they were called by the Califor- 
nians, but little improvements had been made by any of the Californi- 
ans, nor did they require much. An adobe house and a few corrals gen- 
erally comprised all the improvements necessary on a rancho. 

"Soon after the close of the war American citizens and citizens of 
other countries began to settle in the county. During the year 1847 
Elam Brown purchased the Acalanes Rancho and settled upon it near 
the village of Lafayette. In 1848 Colonel William M. Smith purchased 
from one of the Castros a portion of the place known as the sobrante of 
the San Pablo, and during the year 1849 quite a number of citizens of 
the United States and other countries came into the county. They lo- 
cated chiefly in the redwoods between Moraga Valley and San An- 
tonio, for the purpose of manufacturing lumber for market. 

"In referring to the names of two of the ranchos, and to the location 
of the town of Martinez, we have mentioned Monte del Diablo as the 
name of the rancho of Salvio Pacheco, the Rancho el Pinole as that of 
Ygnacio Martinez, being located upon the Arroyo del Hambre. Doubtless 
persons have often inquired how they originated, or why these names 
were appHed to these places. Upon one occasion it was asked of a native 
Californian, who was quite an old man, and he stated that the names 
were (as he had learned during his boyhood) given to these places dur- 



14 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ing the beginning of the last century, and he related the facts substan- 
tially as follows : The Indians inhabiting the country north of San Jose 
Valley were very troublesome, so much so that small parties could not 
travel in the country north of San Jose with safety. The Mexican Gov- 
ernment sent a company of troops from Monterey to chastise the In- 
dians, and to correct the leaders of the most troublesome of them. The 
troops came upon a camp of Indians near the present location of Con- 
cord. The Indians retreated into a thicket of willows and undergrowth 
upon a piece of swamp land near where Fernando Pacheco lived. Night 
coming on, the troops did not pursue the Indians into the thicket, but 
divided into squads and partially surrounded the place, intending to 
make a finish of them in the morning. During the night the troops saw 
what they believed to be moving lights in different parts of the thicket ; 
the Hghts appeared to be moving, and they were confident that they had 
the Indians corralled. In the morning they closed in and charged upon 
the thicket, but found no Indians, neither had any of them stopped there 
during the night, as they found upon examination that they had pressed 
through the place and gone far beyond, and that there was not a human 
being in the thicket during the night. The troops were bewildered and 
frightened, being unable to account for the lights which they saw dur- 
ing the night, so they named the place the Devil's Thicket, or Monte del 
Diablo. The lights were probably produced by phosphorescence, which 
the troops did not understand and could not comprehend. They imme- 
diately left that place, and did not pursue these Indians farther, but im- 
mediately moved to the Straits of Carquinez, intending to cross over 
and go to the Mission of San Rafael. They were unable to cross by rea- 
son of high winds, and camped at the place near where the town of 
Martinez now is. Their provisions giving out, and being unable to se- 
cure any more, they were forced to abandon the camp. They called the 
place the Valley of Hunger (Canada del Hambre). They started in the 
direction of San Francisco, intending to cross the straits, if possible. 
On their march they found a village of Indians who had corn from 
which they manufactured meal (pinole). That camp they named El 
Pinole. When Salvio Pacheco petitioned for his grant he gave it the 
name which the Mexican troops had given the thicket which grew there, 
and the names given the Caiiada del Hambre and Pinole by that com- 
pany of Mexican troops have attached to these places ever since. The 



. MEXICAN LAND GRANTS— PEN-PICTURES OF EARLY DAYS 15 

mountain now called Monte Diablo formerly was called Sierra de los 
Golgones. Its present name originated with the Americans and other 
foreign people who came into the county at a comparatively recent 
date." 

EARLY INHABITANTS 

The following graphic description of early-day manners and customs 
was also written by Judge Thomas A. Brown, and was first published in 
the centennial edition of the Contra Costa Gazette in 1876: 

"Since its organization, in February, 1850, the population of the 
county at large has slowly but steadily increased. There was but little 
increase in the eastern portion of the county until after the discovery of 
coal, about the year i860, at Nortonville, since which time that portion 
of the county has grown rapidly in population, and in increased value 
of property. 

"Many of our people will recollect the carts used in early days by the 
Californians. They usually traveled from place to place on horseback, 
but when the family desired to visit a neighbor or go to town the family 
coach was called into use. That vehicle consisted of two immense wood- 
en wheels, cut or sawed off a log, with holes as near the center as con- 
venient for the axletree, with a tongue lashed to the axle with rawhide 
thongs. Upon this a frame as wide as the wheels would permit, and 
from seven to twelve feet in length, was placed, upon which was se- 
curely fastened one or two rawhides, with the flesh side down, and a 
rude frame over the top, upon which to stretch an awning, with rawhide 
thongs wove around the sides to keep the children from tumbling out. 
The female portion of the family, with the small children, would seat 
themselves in the cart, to which was attached a pair of the best travel- 
ing oxen on the ranch. An Indian would drive, or rather lead, the oxen 
(for he usually walked ahead of them). In this simple, rude contrivance 
the family would travel twenty or thirty miles a day with as much com- 
fort apparently as people now take in riding in our modem vehicles. 
Sometimes several families would ride in a single cart, and visit their 
friends, go to town for the purpose of shopping, or to attend church." 

WILD GAME 

The excellent article on wild game which here follows was published 
in a historical work of 1878: 



l6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

"There is now, at proper seasons, an abundance of California quail, 
wild ducks, geese, and other game in this county. In fact, the wild geese 
along the borders of the rivers are a great nuisance to the farmers. Im- 
mense flocks of these light down on the green growing grain and eat it 
off close to the ground. Farmers sometimes employ hands who do noth- 
ing but ride on horseback about the grain-fields, and by use of the shot- 
gun succeed in keeping them off until the time for their departure to 
another clime arrives. Large flocks of pelicans, both white and gray, 
are common in the lagoons and tule swamps, as also are cranes and 
many other water-birds. 

''Herds of elk roamed over the San Joaquin plains in early times. 
Captain Kimball, of Antioch, says on the first morning of his arrival 
there, in 1849, he saw eighty elk in one drove, feeding a mile south of 
his house, and shot a fine heifer weighing four hundred pounds. At the 
same time these plains were covered with wild cattle. These were 
slaughtered for their hides and tallow, which, at that day, constituted 
the only currency of the country. Much of the flesh meat in 1850-51 
was dried elk. Large herds of them used to feed on the green tule lands 
and islands opposite Antioch. Their horns were such as to prevent them 
from running in large bodies. They were frequently lassooed by the va- 
queros of California. 

"Deer were also thick in this county in early times, in spots not much 
frequented by horsemen, and were often seen feeding on the bunch- 
grass about Diablo. There are still a few to be found in the dense timber 
of the hills. 

"Antelope were also numerous. These were fleet, pretty animals, as 
well as cunning in their habits. One, larger than the rest, by early set- 
tlers has often been seen watching while the main body of the kids were 
at water or on the bottom lands, feeding on green grass. The elk, deer, 
and antelope are all good swimmers, and frequently visited the islands 
of the San Joaquin for green food. 

"The coyote, or fox, is well known to the Californian — a kind of link 
between the cat and dog — and is sometimes called prairie-dog, but is 
very different from the animal of that name found on the Western 
plains. They often followed the immigrant train to pick up the bones 
and crumbs that fell by the way. They would steal eggs and chickens 



MEXICAN LAND GRANTS— PEN-PICTURES OF EARLY DAYS 17 

from the roost, but were great cowards, and a small dog would drive 
them off. 

**The California lion is not a roaring lion, like the African. The head 
is small, and mu-ch like the head of the tiger, being large between the 
eyes. The neck is without mane. It is said he seldom attacks human 
beings. 

"Grizzly bears were thick in early times, so much so that Dr. Marsh 
used to say he could have one caught any time by the vaqueros. The 
bears often took his calves and colts. They would destroy elk, deer, and 
antelope. A young man was killed by one of them in the dense forest of 
chamisal, three or four miles from Antioch. This chamisal is a short 
growth of underbrush, so dense as to be impenetrable by man, and cov- 
ered about five thousand acres. Wildcats are occasionally seen in parts 
of Contra Costa County. 

"The larger wild animals have probably disappeared forever from 
this county. It would be interesting to know just when and where the 
last of these noble animals met their inevitable fate." 

Smaller game, however, has by no means disappeared from Contra 
Costa County. Today, nearly forty years after the above article was 
written, the sportsman may still find good hunting. At certain times of 
the year wild geese in abundance are found on the tule front in the 
eastern section of the county, and ducks and other water- fowls are 
plentiful along the water-front from Byron to Richmond. 

In the valleys of the central section, and especially around the foot- 
hills of Mount Diablo, quails are plentiful. The shotgun adept will also 
find good dove-hunting in the vicinity of Marsh Creek and in Ygnacio 
Valley. 

Deer are scarce now because of the army of hunters that slaughter 
them as fast as they appear in the foothills of Mount Diablo from the 
Livermore hills. That the deer increased rapidly when there was a 
closed season for hunting them is shown by the fact that forty-four 
fine bucks were brought in on the first day of the open season some 
years ago, after a long interval of restriction. It is the general opinion 
that deer would rapidly increase if the ban were again placed on the 
hunter for a few years. 

Excellent fishing rewards the modern Izaak Waltons in the mountain 



1 8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

streams and bay waters. Anglers derive great sport from fishing for 
striped bass, the gameness of which is celebrated. They are most plenti- 
ful in the bay waters off Selby and Rodeo, but are also to be found 
along the strip of water from Crockett to Richmond. 



CHAPTER IV 

PIONEER CITIZENS 

Antedating all other pioneers of Contra Costa County were Francisco 
Castro and Ignacio Martinez. They came in 1823, Castro settling at the 
present site of San Pablo, and Martinez at Pinole, They each acquired 
four leagues of land from the Mexican Government, and these ranchos 
they improved the following year by building adobe residences, plant- 
ing vineyards and orchards, and building corrals for their live-stock. 
The San Pablo rancho contained 19,394.40 acres, and the Pinole rancho 
extended over 17,786.49 acres. Both reared families whose descendants 
today rank high in the citizenship of Contra Costa County. Martinez, 
the county seat, was named for the Martinez family. 

DOCTOR JOHN MARSH 

The first American settler in Contra Costa was Doctor John Marsh. He 
achieved much distinction from his letters and descriptive articles, 
which gave a graphic portrayal of the primitive conditions as he found 
them. To his facile pen California historians, and Contra Costa County 
historians especially, are indebted for much of their data relating to the 
early period. 

Doctor Marsh was descended from an old New England family, and 
was a graduate of Harvard College. Born in Danvers, Massachusetts, in 
I799> he came west and conducted a mercantile business in St. Joseph, 
Missouri, from 1828 until 1835. During the latter year he started on 
horseback for the Far West, eventually becoming one of an exploring 
party which visited the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora, 
thence crossing the Gila River and entering CaUfornia on the southern 
border. 

Portions of the life history of Doctor Marsh read like a romance, as 
will be seen from an incident that occurred while on the journey west. 
Inadvertently wandering away from his party, he was captured on the 
plains by the Indians while they were in the midst of exorcising an evil 



20 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

spirit. They were determined to offer him as a sacrifice, and he was 
saved only by wooing and marrying the chief's pretty daughter, who in- 
terceded for him in much the same manner as did Pocahontas for Cap- 
tain John Smith. Some time afterward the band crossed the old Santa 
Fe trail and Doctor Marsh escaped, having the good fortune to fall in 
with a caravan w^hich finally landed him in California. 

For a while he resided in Los Angeles, but in 1837 he obtained from 
the Mexican Government a grant of land at the foot of Mount Diablo, 
now the center of Contra Costa County. Here he made his permanent 
home. He described his tract as being about twelve miles long and about 
ten miles broad. The Doctor first Hved in an adobe building, but later he 
built the home which afterward became famous as the Stone House. It 
is situated about four miles from Brentwood. The following descrip- 
tion of the Marsh home is taken from the San Francisco Bulletin of 
July 19, 1856: 

"The new and beautiful edifice, now nearly completed, is situated in 
the center of the plain. It is the intention of the proprietor to irrigate 
this plain by artificial means, using the water of the brook for that pur- 
pose. By this process the whole plain in front of the house may be en- 
ameled with flowers, or, in process of time, may be dotted with trees, 
and become a beautiful and extensive park, as the taste of the owner 
may determine. From a quarry which has been opened upon the estate, 
an abundant supply of stone for the building has been obtained. It is of 
the finest quality of freestone, of a beautiful drab or cream color, sUght- 
ly variegated. The building is quite an architectural gem. The architect, 
Thomas Boyd, of San Francisco, with a true artistic perception of the 
beauty of the site, and of what was wanting in the building to make it 
harmonize with the surrounding scenery, has departed from the stereo- 
typed square box with a piazza running partly or entirely round it, 
called a house in California, and has adopted the old English domestic 
style of architecture — a pleasing and appropriate union of manor-house 
and castle. The arched windows, the peaked roofs and gables, the project- 
ing eaves, the central tower, sixty-five feet in height, boldly springing 
from the midst and enabling the proprietor to overlook his extensive 
domain, must be acknowledged by every visitor to be a most felicitous 
deviation from the prevailing style of rural architecture. The material 
used is as easily wrought as the Benicia stone in use here, and, Uke it. 



PIONEER CITIZENS 21 

hardens by exposure to the air. The corners of the building, as well as 
the door and window- jambs, sills, and caps, are elaborately wrought, the 
spaces between the openings being laid with rubble-stone, giving a pleas- 
ing variety to the whole exterior. The building has a ground base of 
sixty by forty feet, and is three stories in height, with three gable win- 
dows in the attic looking east, west, and south. On three sides of the 
building is a piazza, ten feet in width, supported by beautiful octagon 
pillars ; over this is a walk on a level with the second floor, inclosed by 
an elaborately finished balustrade. The interior arrangements are as 
carefully planned as possible to subserve the purposes of convenience, 
comfort, and beautiful finish. The whole cost of the building, it is un- 
derstood, will not exceed twenty thousand dollars." 

The Stone House remained intact until 1868; it was partially de- 
stroyed by the great earthquake of that year. It was afterward restored, 
and stands today as one of Contra Costa County's most cherished his- 
toric monuments. 

Doctor Marsh was eminently successful as a rancher. Great herds of 
cattle thrived on his broad acres and added to his prosperity. Al- 
though for some years he lived a solitary life — his nearest neighbors 
were from ten to forty miles away — doubtless, with his scholarly at- 
tainments he was not lonely. His keen mind and shrewd observation 
were busily gathering information, which was afterward to enrich the 
literature of the period. He was a cultivated French and Spanish schol- 
ar, and is said to have had a deeper insight into French and Spanish 
manners than any other person of the time. In appearance Doctor 
Marsh was tall and commanding. He was athletic as a young man, and 
he remained active and alert throughout his eventful life. Versatile and 
many-sided, his mind was as young as his body. 

Doctor Marsh had passed the half-century mark without finding a 
mate. Then, in 185 1, Romance claimed him for her own. After the 
briefest of courtships he was married to Miss Abbie Tuck, of Chelms- 
ford, Massachusetts. She had left her home in 1850, braving the dan- 
gers of a voyage to California, and came to Santa Clara. During the fol- 
lowing year, while visiting Contra Costa County, she met the Doctor, 
and they were married two weeks later. 

On September 24, 1856, Doctor Marsh was foully and brutally mur- 
dered and robbed while driving in his buggy on the road from his 



22 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ranch to Martinez, thirty miles distant. The next morning his horse and 
empty buggy were found in Martinez, and a few hours later his body 
was discovered in a ditch by the roadside. He had been stabbed in the 
left side, about the face and hands, and, as a crowning act of vicious- 
ness, his throat had been cut. Three Mexicans committed the crime, ac- 
cording to the confession of Jose Olivas, who admitted being one of the 
trio. The other two were Juan Garcia and Felipe Moreno, the latter a 
youth of only nineteen. Olivas maintained that the actual crime was 
committed by Moreno, and that he himself and Garcia were only ac- 
cessories. Olivas was captured the next day, and, after making a con- 
fession, escaped on the following day. It was ten years before he was 
recaptured. Moreno was equally successful in eluding the law, but was 
finally taken near Sacramento about the same time that Olivas was 
caught. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1867. Because of his 
staunch assertion that he had taken no part in the actual commission of 
the crime, Olivas received a lighter sentence. Juan Garcia was never 
found. 

The following article, written by Doctor Marsh and published in the 
New Orleans Picayune in 1846, is so fine an example of his graphic 
style and is so replete with information of the period that it is well 
worth reproducing here in full : 

"Messrs. Editors: Certain willful, malicious and ill-disposed neigh- 
bors of mine have entered into a conspiracy against me. They have, for 
some time past, instigated no doubt by their indolence and evil disposi- 
tions, been teasing me to write articles for newspapers in the United 
States. They represented to me that the people there are very desirous 
to have correct information relative to California, and that they cannot 
easily obtain it. That although several works on this country have re- 
cently been published they are not entitled to implicit confidence, either 
because the writers were hasty travelers, unacquainted with the lan- 
guage of the inhabitants, and not possessed of the requisite informa- 
tion, or that these works were published to answer a particular purpose, 
which was not exactly that of the naked truth. As I have heretofore 
thought it better to attend to my own business rather than undertake to 
enlighten the people of the United States about California, these same 
ill-disposed neighbors of mine have undertaken to place me under an 
interdict. They declare that unless I will write articles for the American 



PIONEER CITIZENS 23 

newspapers none of the said newspapers shall reach me. Now, as these 
enemies of mine live in Monterey, where foreign intelligence first ar- 
rives, they have actually stopped my newspapers, and I am thus com- 
pelled to write, or not have the privilege of reading the news. You will 
perceive, therefore, that if my effusions are worthless the fault is not 
mine, but of those who have forced me to write against my will. I have 
hesitated to what journal to address my precious communications, but 
have finally selected the Picayune, because we consider it the best for 
Mexican and Texan news, in which we feel a deep interest, and partly 
because we have a sort of fellow-feeling for Mr. Kendall, on account 
of his romantic pilgrimage to New and Old Mexico. 

'The European who first saw CaUfornia was Grijalva, who com- 
manded a naval expedition fitted out by Cortez the Conqueror, in the 
year 1534. He discovered the southern part of Lower California, which 
he supposed to be an island, and this opinion was for a long time enter- 
tained by the Spaniards. Lower, or Old California, is for the most part 
an uninhabited and uninhabitable desert, as remarkable for its extent 
and sterility as Upper California is for its fertility and beauty. The 
country now known as Upper California was discovered by Juan Rod- 
riguez Cabrillo, in the year 1542. The first settlement of the Spaniards 
in the territory was begun at the port of San Diego, on the first of May, 
1769. The first governor of Upper California was Don Caspar de Por- 
tola, a captain of dragoons in the Spanish army. The first attempts at 
settlements were made by founding missions, which were gradually ex- 
tended along the coast toward the north, wherever suitable situations 
could be found. The last of these missions that was attempted was at 
Sonoma, which was begun about twenty-five years ago. It was nipped 
in the bud by the revolutions that severed Mexico from the crown of 
Spain. These missions, as long as the Spanish power lasted, were in a 
most flourishing condition, possessed nearly all the good lands in the 
country, and were occupied by upward of twenty thousand converted 
Indians. Since the revolution these missions, like everything else in the 
Mexican territory, have gone rapidly to decay. At present most of them 
are entirely abolished, their immense wealth dissipated, and the lands 
apportioned out among private individuals. It has been usual to state the 
population of Upper California at five thousand persons of Spanish de- 
scent and twenty thousand Indians. This estimate may have been near 



24 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



the truth twenty years ago. At present the population may be stated in 
round numbers at seven thousand Spaniards and ten thousand civilized, 
or rather domesticated, Indians. To this may be added about seven hun- 
dred Americans, one hundred English, Irish, and Scotch, and about one 
hundred French, Germans, and Italians. Within the territorial limits of 
Upper California, taking the parallel of forty-two degrees for the 
northern and the Colorado for the southeastern boundaries, are an im- 
mense number of wild, naked brute Indians. Their number, of course, 
can only be conjectured. They probably exceed a million, and may pos- 
sibly amount to double that number. 

"The climate of California is remarkably different from that of the 
United States. This difference consists mainly in its regularity and uni- 
formity. From May to October the wind is invariably from the north- 
west, and during this time it never rains and the sky is brilliant, clear, 
and serene. The weather during this time is temperate, and rarely op- 
pressively warm. The nights are agreeably cool, and many of the inhab- 
itants sleep in the open air the year round. From October to May the 
wind blows frequently from the southeast, and is always followed by 
rain. Snow never falls except on the mountains, and frost is rare except 
in December and January. A proof of the mildness of the climate this 
moment presents itself in the shape of a humming-bird, which I just 
saw from the open window, and this on the first day of February, in 
latitude thirty-eight degrees. Wheat is sown from October until March, 
and maize from March to July. As regards human health and comfort, 
the climate is incomparably better than that of any part of the United 
States. It is much the most healthy country I have ever seen or have 
any knowledge of. There is absolutely no disease whatever that can be 
attributed to the influence of the cHmate. The whole territory is tra- 
versed by ranges of mountains, which run parallel to each other and to 
the coast. The highest points may be about four thousand feet above the 
level of the sea; in most places much lower, and in many parts they 
dwindle to low hills. They are everywhere covered with grass and veg- 
etation, and many of the valleys and northern declivities abound with 
finest timber trees. Between these ranges of mountains are level valleys, 
or rather plains, of every width, from five miles to fifty. The magnifi- 
cent valley through which flow the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers, 
is five hundred miles long, with an average width of forty or fifty. It is 



PIONEER CITIZENS 25 

intersected laterally by many smaller rivers abounding with salmon. 
The whole region abounds with vast herds of wild horses, elk, and an- 
telope. The only inhabitants of this vast valley (which is capable of sup- 
porting a nation) are about one hundred and fifty Americans and a few 
miserable Indians. The Bay of San Francisco, into which all these riv- 
ers flow, and which is the natural outlet of all this region, is considered 
by nautical men as one of the finest harbors in the world. It consists of 
two principal arms, diverging from the entrance in nearly opposite di- 
rections, and each about fifty miles long, with an average width of 
eight or ten miles. It is perfectly sheltered from every wind, has great 
depth of water, is easily accessible at all times, and has space enough to 
contain half the ships in the world. The entrance is less than a mile 
wide, and could easily be fortified so as to make it entirely impregnable. 
The vicinity abounds in the finest timber for ship-building and in fact 
everything necessary to make it a great naval and commercial depot. 
Near the entrance of this magnificent harbor, within the last seven 
years, has grown up the flourishing town of Yerba Buena, built and in- 
habited entirely by Americans and Englishmen. 

"The agricultural capabilities of California are as yet imperfectly de- 
veloped. It is well adapted to the productions of Spain, Portugal, and 
Italy, and the region lying in similar latitudes on the western coast of 
Europe. The whole of it is remarkably adapted to the culture of the 
vine. Brandy and wine of excellent quality are already made in consid- 
erable quantities ; olives, figs, and almonds grow well ; apples, pears, and 
peaches produce abundantly, and, in the southern part, oranges. Cotton 
is beginning to be cultivated and promises to succeed well. It is the fin- 
est country for wheat I have ever seen. Fifty for one is about the aver- 
age crop, with very imperfect cultivation. One hundred-fold is not un- 
common, and even one hundred and fifty has been produced. Maize 
grows tolerably well, but not equal to that in some parts of the United 
States. Hemp, flax, and tobacco have been cultivated on a small scale 
and succeed well. The rearing of cattle is at present the principal pur- 
suit of the inhabitants, and the most profitable. As a pastoral country 
CaHfornia is unsurpassed, and perhaps unequaled, in the world. The 
pasturage is most abundant and of very excellent quality. No less than 
seven kinds of clover are indigenous here, and four of them are un- 
known in the United States. Oats grow spontaneously all over the 



26 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

coast, throughout its whole extent. In one place, near the river Merced, 
a little barley was accidentally scattered by a traveler, and it has con- 
tinued to reproduce itself for fifteen years. I have known five succes- 
sive crops of wheat in as many years from one sowing. All kinds of 
grasses, as well as the cereal gramma, produce an uncommon quantity 
of seed, and this is probably the reason why cattle do not reach their 
greatest degree of fatness until about a month after the grass is dry. 

"If these desultory remarks on some of the topics relative to this 
country should be found to contain interest for your readers, at some 
future time you may expect to hear something of the commerce of the 
country, its great mineral wealth, its political history (a most fruitful 
theme), and of the manners and customs of its inhabitants, from one of 
your fellow-citizens who has been here more than ten years and has 
taken some pains to become acquainted with the country he has selected 
for his home." 

The above communication was signed ''Essex," and was dated Feb- 
ruary, 1846. To those who are familiar with present-day conditions in 
California the statements of Doctor Marsh, written over seventy years 
ago, seem most prophetic. 

ELAM BROWN 

Second among the American trail-blazers of Contra Costa County was 
Elam Brown. He had a varied and adventurous life, no small portion of 
which was spent in Contra Costa County, in whose affairs he played an 
important part. 

He was born in Herkimer County, New York, June 10, 1797. The 
hardy traits of the pioneer were his birthright. As a child twelve months 
old he experienced his first migration when his parents moved to Berk- 
shire, Massachusetts. When he was seven they came west to Ohio, 
where they braved numerous hardships in true pioneer style. 

To the north of their little settlement, which they named Berkshire, 
for the home they had left in Massachusetts, the nearest settlement was 
one hundred miles away, on the shore of Lake Erie. To the south the 
nearest settlement was fifteen miles distant. In Berkshire the lad first 
dipped into books, and, although his opportunities were few, he devel- 
oped a taste for literature that remained with him through life. 

In 1818, at the age of twenty-one, he set out on foot for the French 



PIONEER CITIZENS 27 

trading-post of St. Louis, Missouri, five hundred miles away. During 
the following winter he rafted unsuccessfully on the Missouri River. 
Then he went to Illinois, where he farmed on shares for the next three 
years, during which time he married the daughter of Thomas Allen. 

His next venture was in moving west to what was known as the 
Platte Purchase, a tract of land bordering on the Missouri River, ac- 
quired by the Government from the Indians in 1836. There he cleared 
one hundred and eighty acres of land, on which he resided for ten 
years. It was there that his first wife died. He then determined to emi- 
grate to the Pacific Coast, and in 1846 he headed a company and started 
on the long journey westward across the plains. He was appointed cap- 
tain of the fourteen families that left the Missouri on May 14. They 
had innumerable adventures, and Captain Elam Brown was equal to 
every emergency. More than once his diplomatic treatment of the In- 
dians averted disaster. On one occasion a large force of hostile braves 
menaced their path, but Elam Brown came forward and smoked the 
pipe of peace with their chieftains. Then he signaled for the Indians to 
open their lines. They did so and the wagon-train passed through un- 
molested. The party forded all the rivers, as there was not one ferry or 
bridge on their entire journey. The stout-hearted little band entered 
California October 10, 1846, and toward the end of the same month 
they arrived at the present site of Sacramento, continuing thence to 
Santa Clara, where most of the party settled. 

Scarcely rested from the long trek across the continent, Elam Brown 
sought for fresh fields of adventure. He joined the forces under Gen- 
eral John C. Fremont which were fighting General Castro, in an echo of 
the Mexican war in central CaHfornia. He also took an active part in 
suppressing the Mexican freebooter, Sanchez. The winter of 1847 he 
spent in the San Antonio redwoods, whipsawing lumber and boating his 
product across the bay to San Francisco. 

It was difiicult at this time to buy land in California. The Mexican 
residents were solemnly pledged not to sell a foot of ground or give any 
information regarding land. But in the fall Elam Brown finally learned 
that William A. Leidesdorff, a San Francisco trader, had a ranch for 
sale. This was the Rancho Alcalanes, where the present town of Lafay- 
ette is situated. The ranch was stocked with three hundred head of cat- 
tle. This tract became the permanent home of Elam Brown in Contra 



28 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Costa County. He soon became enthusiastic over its possibilities. He 
was especially pleased with the mild California winters, in marked con- 
trast with the severe snow-storms of the East. It was his first experi- 
ence in a land where it was not necessary to feed cattle through the 
winter months. 

Up to this time there was no government in California, except the 
military rule of Colonel Mason. On account of dissension over the slav- 
ery question. Congress had taken no steps toward the formation of a 
State. In 1848 General Riley superseded Mason. He straightway issued 
a proclamation authorizing the people to elect delegates to a constitu- 
tional convention. 

The convention met in Monterey September i, 1849. Elam Brown 
was one of the thirty-seven delegates who framed the constitution. 
These delegates had come from nearly every State in the Union. They 
were the virile immigrants who had the courage to seek their fortunes 
in a new land. With but few statute-books to guide them, they framed a 
constitution that admirably stood the test of time for nearly thirty 
years. 

California had become a State, but, because of the slavery agitation, 
Congress refused to recognize her as such. It was not until 1850 that 
California was admitted to the Union, enjoying the distinction of never 
having had a territorial government. Throughout this period Elam 
Brown served the State ably and unceasingly. He was a member of the 
first two sessions of the legislature, and was urged to run for the Unit- 
ed States Senate. But he felt that the destinies of his State by adoption 
had been safely guided past the critical point and he retired to pastoral 
scenes. There on the Rancho Alcalanes the stalwart pioneer rounded 
out his days to a venerable age. 

FELIX COATS 

As the years go by the pioneers of Contra Costa County are one by one 
answering the last roll-call, and few of the early trail-blazers now re- 
main. The latest summons by death was on June 10, 1916, when Felix 
Grundy Coats, of Tassajara, was called. The end came to the pioneer at 
his home after an illness extending over a period of several weeks, and 
was directly due to the infirmities of old age. 

Felix Grundy Coats was a native of Callaway County, Missouri, 



PIONEER CITIZENS 



29 



where he was born on August 9, 1828, being at his death nearly eighty- 
eight years old. In May, 1849, with a number of emigrants, he left 
Missouri for California, and in September of the same year the party 
arrived at Grass Valley. Felix Coats then began mining on the Ameri- 
can River, and later operated a pack-train between Sacramento and 
Stony Bar. In the fall of 1852 he came to Contra Costa County and re- 
mained a short time, returning to the mines. In the following year he 
returned to Contra Costa County, purchasing the ranch of three hun- 
dred and ninety acres in Tassajara, where he resided the remainder of 
his days. 

On February 23, i860, Felix Coats married Miss Lavina Doggett, of 
Tassajara. Three sons and three daughters survive their father. They 
are W. Nolan Coats, of St. Helena; James L. Coats, internal revenue 
inspector, of Stockton; Bethel S. Coats, of San Jose; Mrs. Ella Seiler 
and Mrs. Jennie White, of San Francisco ; and Mrs. Mary Horton, of 
Tassajara. 



CHAPTER V 

THE BEAR FLAG WAR , 

In the early part of the last century California would appear to have 
found extreme favor in the jealous eyes of three great powers. We have 
elsewhere shown what the Russians did on the coast, and how they ac- 
tually gained a foothold at Bodega and Fort Ross, Sonoma County. 

In the year 1818 Governor Sola received. a communication from 
Friar Marquinez, of Guadalajara, Spain, wherein he informed his ex- 
cellency of the rumors of war between the United States and Spain, 
while in February of the following year Father Jose Sanchez wrote to 
the same official that there is a report abroad of the fitting out of an 
American expedition into New Mexico. Both of these epistles remark 
that California is the coveted prize. Great Britain wanted it, it is said, 
for several reasons, the chief of which was that in the possession of so 
extended a coast-line she would have the finest harbors in the world for 
her fleets. This desire would appear to have been still manifested in 
1840, for we find in February of that year, in the New York Express, 
the following : 

"The rumor has reached New Orleans from Mexico of the cession to 
England of the Calif ornias. The cession of the two provinces would 
give to Great Britain an extensive and valuable territory in a part of 
the world where she has long been anxious to gain a foothold, besides 
securing an object still more desirable — a spacious range of seacoast on 
the Pacific, stretching more than eight thousand miles from the forty- 
second degree of latitude south, sweeping the peninsula of California, 
and embracing the harbors of that gulf, the finest in North America." 

These rumors, so rife between the years of 1842 and 1846, necessi- 
tated the maintenance of a large and powerful fleet by both Americans 
and British on the Pacific Ocean, each closely observing the other. The 
first move in the deep game on the part of the United States was in 
September, 1842, by Commodore Ap Catesby Jones. He became pos- 
sessed of two newspapers which appear to have caused him to take im- 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 31 

mediate action. One of these, published in New Orleans, stated that 
California had been ceded by Mexico to Great Britain in consideration 
of the sum of seven millions of dollars ; the other, a Mexican publica- 
tion, caused him to believe that war had been declared between the two 
countries. The sudden departure of two of the British vessels strength- 
ened him in this belief, and that they were en route for Panama to em- 
bark soldiers from the West Indies for the occupation of CaUfornia. 
To forestall this move of "perfidious Albion," Commodore Jones left 
Callao, Peru, on September 7, 1842, crowding all sail, ostensibly for the 
port of Monterey, but when two days out his squadron hove to, a coun- 
cil of the captains of the flag-ship *'Cyane" and the "Dale" was held, 
when the decision was come to that possession should be taken of Cali- 
fornia at all hazards, and abide by the consequences, whatever they 
might be. The accompanying letter from an officer of the "Dale," dated 
at Panama September 23, 1842, tells its own story: 

"We sailed from Callao on the 7th of September, in company with 
the 'United States' and 'Cyane' sloop, but on the tenth day out, the 17th, 
separated, and bore up for this port. Just previous to our departure, 
two British ships-of-war, the razee 'Dublin,' fifty guns, and the sloop- 
of-war 'Champion,' eighteen guns, sailed thence on secret service. This 
mysterious movement of Admiral Thomas elicited a hundred comments 
and conjectures as to his destination, the most probable of which seemed 
to be that he was bound for the northwest coast of Mexico, where it is 
surmised that a British settlement (station) is to be located in accord- 
ance with a secret convention between the Mexican and English gov- 
ernments, and it is among the on dits in the squadron that the frigate 
'United States,' 'Cyane,* and 'Dale' are to rendezvous as soon as pos- 
sible at Monterey, to keep an eye on John Bull's movements in that 
quarter." 

These rumors were all strengthened by the fact that eight hundred 
troops had been embarked at Mazatlan in February, 1842, by General 
Micheltorena, to assist the English, it was apprehended, to carry out the 
secret treaty whereby California was to be handed over to Great 
Britain. Of these troops, who were mostly convicts, Micheltorena lost 
a great number by desertion, and, after much delay and vexation, 
marched out of Mazatlan on July 25, 1842, with only four hundred 
and fifty men, arriving at San Diego on August 25th. Between Los 



32 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Angeles and Santa Barbara, with his army reduced from desertion to 
but three hundred men, at 1 1 o'clock on the night of October 24th, he 
received the astounding intelligence that Commodore Jones had entered 
the port of Monterey, with the frigate "United States" and the corvette 
*'Cyane," landed an armed force, hauled down the Mexican flag, hoisted 
the American in its place, and issued a proclamation declaring Cali- 
fornia to be henceforth belonging to the United States. These startling 
occurrences took place on October 19, 1842. On the 28th the Commo- 
dore reflected on his latest achievement, and becoming convinced that 
an error had been committed, he lowered the American ensign, replaced 
it with that of Mexico, and on the following day saluted it, sailed for 
Mazatlan, and reported his proceedings to Washington. 

On hearing of the capture of Monterey the Mexican general with- 
drew to the mission of San Fernando, and there remained for some 
time, where he finally, on the horizon being cleared, transferred his 
staff to Los Angeles, and there entertained Commodore Jones on Janu- 
ary 19, 1843. 

The recall of Jones was demanded by the Mexican minister at Wash- 
ington, which was complied with, and Captain Alexander J. Dallas in- 
structed to relieve him of the command of the Pacific squadron. Dallas 
at once proceeded to Callao via Panama, to assume his new functions, 
and on arrival took the "Erie," an old store-ship, and proceeded in 
search of the Commodore, who had in the meantime received intelli- 
gence of the turn affairs had taken, kept steering from port to port, and 
finally, after touching at Valparaiso, Chile, he sailed for home around 
Cape Horn. The reign of Captain Dallas was short ; he died on board 
the frigate "Savannah," at Callao, June 3, 1844, and was succeeded by 
Commodore John Drake Sloat. 

Between the years 1844 and 1846 the American and British fleets 
keenly watched each other and anxiously awaited the declaration of 
war between Mexico and the United States. During this time the 
revolution which drove General Micheltorena and his army from Cali- 
fornia had broken out and been quelled, while the Oregon boundary 
and the annexation of Texas were questions which kept the naval au- 
thorities at fever heat. 

Let us now leave these American and British sailors with their mighty 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 



33 



ships jealously watching the movements of each other, to consider the 
doings of one who before long was to take a prominent part in the 
affairs of California. 

In the month of March, 1845, Brevet-Captain John Charles Fremont 
departed from Washington for the purpose of organizing a third expe- 
dition for the topographical survey of Oregon and California, having 
finished which, he left Bent's Fort on or about the i6th of April, his 
command consisting of sixty-two men, six of whom were Delaware 
Indians. It is not our wish here, nor indeed have we the space, to tell 
of the hardships endured and the perilous journeys made by Fremont, 
Kit Carson, Theodore Talbot, and others of that band, whose wander- 
ings have formed the theme of many a ravishing tale; our duty will 
permit only of defining the part taken by them in regard to our special 
subject. 

About June i, 1846, General Jose Castro, with Lieutenant Francisco 
de Arci, his secretary, left the Santa Clara Mission, where they had 
ensconced themselves after pursuing Fremont from that district, and, 
passing through Yerba Buena (San Francisco), crossed the bay to the 
mission of San Rafael, and there collected a number of horses, which 
he directed Arci to take to Sonoma, with as many more as he could 
capture on the way, and from there proceed with all haste to the Santa 
Clara Mission by way of Knight's Landing and Sutter's Fort. These 
horses were intended to be used against Fremont and Governor Pio 
Pico by Castro, both of whom had defied his authority. On June 5th 
Castro moved from Santa Clara to Monterey, and on the 12th, while 
on his return, was met by a courier bearing the intelligence that Lieu- 
tenant Arci had been surprised and taken prisoner on the loth by a 
band of adventurers, who had seized a large number of the horses 
which he had in charge for the headquarters at Santa Clara. Here was 
a dilemma. Castro's education in writing had been sadly neglected — it 
is said he could only paint his signature — and being without his amanu- 
ensis, he at once returned to Monterey, and on June 12th dictated a 
letter through ex-Governor Juan B. Alvarado to the prefect, Manuel 
Castro, saying that the time had come when their differences should 
be laid aside and conjoint action taken for the defense and protection 
of their common country, at the same time asking that he should collect 



34 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

all the men and horses possible and send them to Santa Clara. He then 
returned to his headquarters, and on the 17th promulgated a soul- 
stirring proclamation to the settlers. 

When Lieutenant Arci left Sonoma with the caballada of horses and 
mares, crossing the dividing ridge, he passed up the Sacramento Val- 
ley to Knight's Landing,^ on the left bank of the Sacramento River, 
about fifteen miles north of the present city of Sacramento. When 
Lieutenant Arci reached the ferry, or crossing, he met Mrs. Knight, 
to whom, on account of her being a New Mexican by birth, and there- 
fore thought to be trustworthy, he confided the secret of the expedi- 
tion. Such knowledge was too much for an ordinary feminine bosom 
to contain. She told her husband, and he, in assisting the officer to cross 
with his horses, gave him fair words, so that suspicion might be lulled, 
and then, striding his fleetest horse, made direct for Captain Fremont's 
camp at the confluence of the Feather and Yuba rivers, where he 
arrived early in the morning of June 9th. Here Knight, who found 
some twenty settlers that had arrived earlier than he discussing mat- 
ters, communicated to Captain Fremont and the settlers that Lieutenant 
Arci had the evening before crossed at his landing, bound to Santa 
Clara via the Cosumne River ; that Arci had told Mrs. Knight in con- 
fidence that the animals were intended to be used by Castro in ex- 
pelling the American settlers from the country ; and that it was also 
the intention to fortify the Bear River Pass above the rancho of Wil- 
liam Johnson, thereby putting a stop to all immigration, a move of 
Castro's that was strengthened by the return to Sutter's Fort on June 
7th of a force that had gone out to chastise the Mokelumne Indians, 
who had been threatening to burn the settlers' crops, incited thereto, 
presumably, by Castro. 

Fremont, while encamped at The Buttes, was visited by nearly all 
the settlers, and from them gleaned vast stores of fresh information 
hitherto unknown to him. This information was to the effect that the 
greater proportion of foreigners in the country had become Mexican 
citizens, and married native women for the sake of procuring land, and 
through them had become possessed of deep secrets supposed to be 



^A ferry was kept here by William Knight, who left Missouri on May 6, 1841, arriving in 
California on November nth of the same year. He received a grant of land and settled at what 
is now known as Knight's Landing, Yolo County. He died at the mines on the Stanislaus River 
in Novembr, i§49. 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 35 

known only to the prominent Calif ornians. It was also reported that a 
convention had been held at the San Juan Mission to decide which of 
the two nations, America or Great Britain, should guarantee protec- 
tion to California against all others for certain privileges and consid- 
erations. 

Lieutenant Revere says : "I have been favored by an intelligent mem- 
ber of the Junta with the following authentic report of the substance 
of Pico's speech to that illustrious body of statesmen: 

'' 'Excellent Sirs: To what a deplorable condition is our country re- 
duced ! Mexico, professing to be our mother and our protectress, has 
given us neither arms nor money, nor the material of war for our de- 
fense. She is not likely to do anything in our behalf, although she is 
quite willing to afflict us with her extortionate minions, who come 
hither in the guise of soldiers and civil officers, to harass and oppress 
our people. We possess a glorious country, capable of attaining a physi- 
cal and moral greatness corresponding with the grandeur and beauty 
which an Almighty hand has stamped on the face of our beloved Cali- 
fornia. But, although nature has been prodigal, it cannot be denied 
that we are not in a position to avail ourselves of her bounties. Our 
population is not large, and it is sparsely scattered over valley and 
mountain, covering an immense area of virgin soil, destitute of roads, 
and traversed with difficulty; hence it is hardly possible to collect an 
army of any considerable force. Our people are poor, as well as few, 
and cannot well govern themselves and maintain a decent show of sov- 
ereign power. Although we live in the midst of plenty, we lay up noth- 
ing, but tilling the earth in an imperfect manner, all our time is re- 
quired to provide subsistence for ourselves and our families. Thus cir- 
cumstanced, we find ourselves suddenly threatened by hordes of 
Yankee emigrants, who have already begun to flock into our country, 
and whose progress we cannot arrest. Already have the wagons of that 
perfidious people scaled the almost inaccessible summits of the Sierra 
Nevada, crossed the entire continent and penetrated the fruitful valley 
of the Sacramento. What that astounding people will next undertake 
I cannot say, but in whatever enterprise they will be sure to prove suc- 
cessful. Already are these adventurous land voyagers spreading them- 
selves far and wide over a country which seems suited to their tastes. 
They are cultivating farms, establishing vineyards, erecting mills, saw- 



36 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ing up lumber, building workshops, and doing a thousand other things 
which seem natural to them, but which Calif ornians despise. What, 
then, are we to do ? Shall we remain supine while these daring strangers 
are overrunning our fertile plains and gradually outnumbering and dis- 
placing us? Shall these incursions go on unchecked, until we shall be- 
come strangers in our own land? We cannot successfully oppose them 
by our own unaided power, and the swelling tide of immigration ren~ 
ders the odds against us more formidable every day. We cannot stand 
alone against them, nor can we creditably maintain our independence 
even against Mexico; but there is something we can do which will 
elevate our country, strengthen her at all points, and yet enable us to 
preserve our identity and remain masters of our own soil. Perhaps 
what I am about to suggest may seem to some faint-hearted and dis- 
honorable, but to me it does not seem so. It is the last hope of a feeble 
people, struggling against a tyrannical government which claims their 
submission at home, and threatened by bands of avaricious strangers 
from without, voluntarily to connect themselves with a power able and 
willing to defend and preserve them. It is the right and the duty of the 
weak to demand support from the strong, provided the demand be 
made upon terms just to both parties. I see no dishonor in this last 
refuge of the oppressed and powerless, and I boldly avow that such 
is the step that I would have California take. There are two great 
powers in Europe which seem destined to divide between them the 
unappropriated countries of the world. They have large fleets and 
armies not unpracticed in the art of war. Is it not better to connect 
ourselves with one of those powerful nations than to struggle on with- 
out hope, as we are doing now ? Is it not better that one of them should 
be invited to send a fleet and an army, to defend and protect CaUfornia, 
rather than we should fall an easy prey to the lawless adventurers who 
are overrunning our beautiful country? I pronounce for annexation to 
France or England, and the people of California will never regret hav- 
ing taken my advice. They will no longer be subjected to the trouble 
and grievous expense of governing themselves; and their beef and 
their grain, which they produce in such abundance, would find a ready 
market among the newcomers. But, I hear someone say: ''No monar- 
chy" ! But is not monarchy better than anarchy? Is not existence in some 
shape better than annihilation. No monarch ! And what is there so ter- 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 37 

rible in a monarchy ? Have we not all lived under a monarchy far more 
despotic than that of France or England, and were not our people 
happy under it? Have not the leading men among our agriculturists 
been bred beneath the royal rule of Spain, and have they been happier 
since the mock Republic of Mexico has supplied its place? Nay, does 
not every man abhor the miserable abortion christened the Republic 
of Mexico, and look back with regret to the golden days of the Spanish 
monarchy? Let us restore that glorious era. Then may our people go 
quietly to their ranchos, and live there as of yore, leading a thoughtless 
and merry life, untroubled by politics or cares of state, sure of what 
is their own, and safe from the incursions of the Yankees, who would 
soon be forced to retreat to their own country.' " 

It was a happy thing for California, and, as the sequel proved, for 
the views of the Government of the United States, that a man was 
found at this juncture whose ideals were more enlightened and con- 
sonant with the times than those of the rulers of his country, both 
civil and miHtary. Patriotism was half his soul ; he therefore could not 
silently witness the land of his birth sold to any monarchy, however 
old ; and he rightly judged that, although foreign protection might post- 
pone, it could not avert that assumption of power which was beginning 
to make itself felt. Possessed at the time of no political power, and 
having had few early advantages, still his position was so exalted and 
his character so highly respected by both the foreign and native popu- 
lation, that he had been invited to participate in the deliberations of 
the Junta. This man was Don Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Bom in 
California, he commenced his career in the army as an alferez, or 
ensign, and in this humble grade he volunteered, at the suggestion of 
the Mexican Government, with a command of fifty soldiers, to establish 
a colony on the north side of the Bay of San Francisco, for the pro- 
tection of the frontier. He effectually subdued the hostile Indians in- 
habiting that then remote region, and laid the foundation of a reputa- 
tion for integrity, judgment, and ability unequaled by any of his coun- 
trymen. Although quite a young man, he had already filled the highest 
offices in the province, and had at this time retired to private life near 
his estate in the vicinity of the town of Sonoma. He did not hesitate 
to oppose with all his strength the views advanced by Pico and Castro. 
He spoke nearly as follows: 



38 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

"1 cannot, gentlemen, coincide in opinion with the military and civil 
functionaries who have advocated the cession of our country to France 
or England. It is most true that to rely any longer on Mexico to govern 
and defend us would be idle and absurd. To this extent I fully agree 
with my distinguished colleagues. It is also true that we possess a 
noble country, every way calculated from position and resources to be- 
come great and powerful. For that very reason I would not have her 
a mere dependency upon a foreign monarchy, naturally alien, or at 
least indifferent, to our interests and our welfare. It is not to be denied 
that feeble nations have in former times thrown themselves upon the 
protection of their powerful neighbors. The Britons invoked the aid 
of the warlike Saxons, and fell an easy prey to their protectors, who 
seized their lands and treated them like slaves. Long before that time 
feeble and distracted provinces had appealed for aid to the all-conquer- 
ing arms of imperial Rome, and they were at the same time protected 
and subjugated by their grasping ally. Even could we tolerate the idea 
of dependence, ought we to go to distant Europe for a master? What 
possible sympathy could exist between us and a nation separated from 
us by two vast oceans? But waiving this insuperable objection, how 
could we endure to come under the domination of a monarchy? For, 
although others speak lightly of a form of government, as a freeman 
I cannot do so. We are republicans — badly governed and badly situated 
as we are, still we are all, in sentiment, republicans. So far as we are 
governed at all, we at least profess to be self -governed. Who, then, 
that possesses true patriotism will consent to subject himself and his 
children to the caprices of a foreign king and his official minions ? But, 
it is asked, if we do not throw ourselves upon the protection of France 
or England, what shall we do ? I do not come here to support the exist- 
ing order of things, but I come prepared to propose instant and ef- 
fective action to extricate our country from her present forlorn con- 
dition. My opinion is made up that we must persevere in throwing off 
the galling yoke of Mexico and proclaim our independence of her for- 
ever. We have endured her official cormorants and her villainous 
soldiery until we can endure no longer. All will probably agree with 
me that we ought at once to rid ourselves of what remains of Mexican 
domination. But some profess to doubt our ability to maintain our posi- 
tion. To my mind there comes no doubt. Look at Texas, and see how 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 



39 



long she withstood the power of united Mexico. The resources of Texas 
are not to be compared with ours, and she was so much nearer to her 
enemy than we are. Our position is so remote, either by land or sea, 
that we are in no danger from Mexican invasion. Why, then, should 
we hesitate still to assert our independence ? We have indeed taken the 
first step, by electing our own governor, but another remains to be 
taken. I will mention it plainly and distinctly — it is annexation to the 
United States. In contemplating this consummation of our destiny, I 
feel nothing but pleasure, and I ask you to share it. Discard old preju- 
dices, disregard old customs, and prepare for the glorious change which 
awaits our country. Why should we shrink from incorporating our- 
selves with the happiest, freest nation in the world, destined soon to 
be the most wealthy and powerful? Why should we go abroad for pro- 
tection when this great nation is our adjoining neighbor? When we join 
our fortunes to hers, we shall not become subjects but fellow-citizens, 
possessing all the rights of the people of the United States, and choos- 
ing our own federal and local rulers. We shall have a stable govern- 
ment and just laws. California will grow strong and flourish, and her 
people will be prosperous, happy, and free. Look not therefore with 
jealousy upon the hardy pioneers who scale our mountains and culti- 
vate our unoccupied plains, but rather welcome them as brothers who 
come to share with us a common destiny." 

Such was the extent of General Vallejo's observations. Those who 
listened to him, however, were far behind in general knowledge and 
intelligence. His arguments failed to carry conviction to the greater 
number of his auditors. But the bold position taken by him was the 
cause of an immediate adjournment of the Junta, no result having been 
arrived at concerning the weighty affairs on which they had met to 
deliberate. On his retiring from the Junta he embodied the views he 
had expressed in a letter to Don Pio Pico, and reiterated his refusal 
to participate in any action having for its end the adoption of any pro- 
tection other than that of the United States. In this communication he 
also declared that he would never serve under any government which 
was prepared to surrender California to a European power. He then 
returned to his estates, there to await the issue of events. 

We left William Knight at Fremont's camp, where he had arrived 
on the morning of June 9, 1846, imparting to that officer and the twenty 



40 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



settlers who had there assembled information of Castro's intended 
attack. At ten o'clock that morning a party of eleven men, under the 
oldest member, Ezekiel Merritt, started in pursuit of Lieutenant Arci 
and his horses. On their arrival at Hock farm they w^ere joined by two 
more, and toward evening, having crossed the American River at Sin- 
clair's, reached the rancho of Allen Montgomery, sixty miles from 
Fremont's camp at the Buttes, and there supped. Here they received 
intelligence that Lieutenant Arci had reached Sutter's Fort on the 8th, 
and had that morning resumed his march, intending to camp that night 
at the rancho of Martin Murphy, twenty miles south of the Cosumne 
River. Supper finished and a short rest indulged in, the party were 
once more in the saddle, being strengthened by the addition of Mont- 
gomery and another man, making the total force fifteen. They pro- 
ceeded to within about five miles of Murphy's, and there lay concealed 
until daylight, when they were again on the move, and continued to 
within half a mile of the camp. Unperceived, they cautiously advanced 
to within a short distance, and then suddenly charging, secured the 
lieutenant and his party, as well as the horses. Lieutenant Arci was 
permitted to retain his sword, each of his party was given a horse where- 
with to reach Santa Clara, and a person traveling with him was per- 
mitted to take six of the animals which he claimed as private property. 
The lieutenant was then instructed to depart and say to his chief, Gen- 
eral Castro, that the remainder of the horses were at his disposal when- 
ever he should wish to come and take them. The Americans at once 
returned to Montgomery's with the horses, and there breakfasted ; that 
night, the loth, they encamped twenty-seven miles above Sutter's Fort 
on the rancho of Nicholas Allgier, a German, not far from the mouth 
of Bear River, and in the morning, ascertaining that Fremont had 
moved his camp hither from the Buttes, they joined him in the morn- 
ing of the nth, having traveled about one hundred and fifty miles in 
forty-eight hours. 

On arriving at Fremont's camp it was found that the garrison had 
been considerably augmented by the arrival of more settlers, who were 
all ardently discussing the events of the last two days and its probable 
results. After a full hearing it was determined by them that, having 
gone so far, their only chance of safety was in a rapid march to the 
town of Sonoma to eflPect its capture, and to accomplish this before the 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 



41 



news of the stoppage of Lieutenant Arci and his horses could have 
time to reach that garrison. It was felt that should this design prove 
successful all further obstacles to the eventual capture of the country 
would have vanished. The daring band then reorganized, still retaining, 
in his position of captain, Ezekiel Merritt. At three o'clock in the after- 
noon of June 1 2th, under their leader, they left Fremont's camp for 
Sonoma, one hundred and twenty miles distant, and, traveling all night, 
passed the rancho of William Gordon, about ten miles from the present 
town of Woodland, Yolo County, who they desired to inform all 
Americans that could be trusted of their intention. At nine o'clock in 
the morning of the 13th they reached Captain John Grigsby's, at the 
head of Napa Valley, and were joined by William L. Todd, William 
Scott, and others. Here the company, which now mustered thirty-three 
men, was reorganized and addressed by Dr. Robert Semple. Not desir- 
ing, however, to reach Sonoma until daylight, they halted here till mid- 
night, when they once more resumed their march, and before it was 
yet the dawn of June 14th, surprised and captured the garrison of 
Sonoma, consisting of six soldiers, nine pieces of artillery, and some 
small arms, etc., "all private property being religiously respected ; and 
in generations to come their children's children may look back with 
pride and pleasure upon the commencement of a revolution which was 
carried on by their fathers' fathers upon principles as high and holy 
as the laws of eternal justice." 

Their distinguished prisoners were General Mariano Guadalupe Val- 
lejo, Lieutenant-Colonel Victor Prudon, Captain Don Salvador Mundo 
Vallejo, brother to General Vallejo, and Mr. Jacob Primer Leese, 
brother-in-law to General Vallejo. 

We now lay before the reader the account of this episode, as de- 
scribed by General Vallejo at the centennial exercises held at Santa 
Rosa, Sonoma County, July 4, 1876: 

*T have now to say something of the epoch which inaugurated a new 
era for this country. A little before dawn on June 14, 1846, a party of 
hunters and trappers, with some foreign settlers, under command of 
Captain Merritt, Doctor Semple, and William B. Ide, surrounded my 
residence at Sonoma, and without firing a shot made prisoners of my- 
self, then commander of the northern frontier, of Lieutenant-Colonel 
Victor Prudon, Captain Salvador Vallejo, and Jacob P. Leese. I should 



42 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



here state that down to October, 1845, I had maintained at my own 
expense a respectable garrison at Sonoma, which often, in union with 
the settlers, did good service in campaigns against the Indians ; but at 
last, tired of spending money which the Mexican Government never 
refunded, I disbanded the force, and most of the soldiers who had con- 
stituted it left Sonoma. Thus in June, 1846, the plaza was entirely un- 
protected, although there were ten pieces of artillery, with other arms 
and munitions of war. The parties who unfurled the Bear Flag w^ere 
well aware that Sonoma was without defense, and lost no time in taking 
advantage of this fact, and carrying out their plans. Years before, I had 
urgently represented to the government of Mexico the necessity of 
stationing a sufficient force on the frontier, else Sonoma would be lost, 
which would be equivalent to leaving the rest of the country an easy prey 
to the invader. What think you, my friends, were the instructions sent 
me in reply to my repeated demands for means to fortify the country? 
These instructions were that I should at once force the immigrants to 
recross the Sierra Nevada, and depart from the territory of the re- 
public. To say nothing of the inhumanity of these orders, their execu- 
tion was physically impossible — first, because the immigrants came in 
autumn, when snow covered the Sierra so quickly as to make a return 
impracticable. Under the circumstances, not only I, but Comandante 
General Castro, resolved to provide the immigrants with letters of se- 
curity, that they might remain temporarily in the country. We always 
made a show of authority, but well convinced all the time that we had 
no power to resist the invasion which was coming upon us. With the 
frankness of a soldier, I can assure you that the American immigrants 
never had cause to complain of the treatment they received at the hands 
of either authorities or citizens. They carried us as prisoners to Sacra- 
mento, and kept us in a calaboose for sixty days or more, until the 
authority of the United States made itself respected, and the honorable 
and humane Commodore Stockton returned us to our hearths." 

On the seizure of their prisoners the revolutionists at once took steps 
to appoint a captain, who was found in the person of John Grigsby, for 
Ezekiel Merritt did not wish to retain the permanent command. A 
meeting was then called at the barracks, situated at the northeast cor- 
ner of the plaza, under the presidency of William B. Ide, Doctor Semple 
being secretary. At this conference Semple urged the independence of 





', /t.(/X^ 



^^^i^*-**c . 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 



43 



the country, stating that having once commenced they must proceed, 
for to turn back was certain death. Before the dissolution of the con- 
vention, however, rumors were rife that secret emissaries were being 
dispatched to the Mexican rancheros to inform them of the recent 
occurrences; therefore, to prevent any attempt at a rescue, it was 
deemed best to transfer their prisoners to Sutter's Fort, where the 
danger of such would be less. 

Before transferring their prisoners, however, a treaty, or agreement, 
was entered into between the captives and the captors, which will 
appear in the annexed documents kindly furnished to us by General 
Vallejo, and which have never before been given to the public. The first 
is in English, signed by the principal actors in the revolution, and reads : 

"We, the undersigned, having resolved to establish a government 
upon republican principles, in connection with others of our fellow- 
citizens, and having taken up arms to support it, we have taken three 
Mexican officers as prisoners, M. G. Vallejo, Lieut. Col. Victor Prudon, 
and Captain D. Salvador Vallejo ; having formed and published to the 
world no regular plan of government, feel it our duty to say that it is 
not our intention to take or injure any person who is not found in 
opposition to the cause, nor will we take or destroy the property of 
private individuals further than is necessary for our immediate support. 

"EZEKIEL MeRRITT^ 

"R. Semple, 
"William Fallon, 
"Samuel Kelsey.'' 

The second, in the Spanish language, reads as follows: 

"Conste pr. la preste. qe. habiendo sido sorprendido pr. una nume- 
ros a fuerza armada qe. me tomo prisonero y a los gefes y oficiales qe. 
estaban de guarnicion en esta plaza de la qe. se apodero la espresada 
fuerza, habiendola encontrado absolutamte. indefensa, tanto yo. como 
los S. S. oficiales qe. suscribero comprometemos nuestra palabra de 
honor de qe. estando bajo las garantias de prisionero de guerra, no 
tomaremos las armas ni a favor ni contra repetida fuerza armada de 
quien hemos recibiro la intimacion del momto. y un escrito firmado qe. 
garantiza nuestras vidas, familias de intereses, y los de todo el vecin- 



44 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

dario de esta jurisdn. mientras no hagamos oposicion. Sonoma, Junio 
14 de 1846. ..y^^ Prudon. M. G. Vallejo, 

"Salvador Vallejo." 

But let us proceed with our narrative of the removal of General 
Vallejo, his brother, and Prudon to Sutter's Fort. A guard, consisting 
of William B. Ide, as captain. Captain Grigsby, Captain Merritt, Kit 
Carson, WiUiam Hargrave, and five others left Sonoma for Sutter's 
Fort with their prisoners upon horses actually supplied by General 
Vallejo himself. We are told that on the first night after leaving Sonoma 
with their prisoners the revolutionists, with singular inconsistency, en- 
camped and went to sleep without setting sentinel or guard ; that dur- 
ing the night they were surrounded by a party under command of Juan 
de Padilla, who crept up stealthily and awoke one of the prisoners, tell- 
ing him that there was with him close at hand a strong, well-armed 
force of rancheros, who, if need be, could surprise and slay the Ameri- 
cans before there was time for them to fly to arms, but that he (Padilla)' 
before giving such instructions, awaited the orders of General Vallejo, 
whose rank entitled him to the command of any such demonstration. 
The general was cautiously aroused and the scheme divulged to him, 
but with a self-sacrifice which cannot be too highly commended an- 
swered that he should go voluntarily with his guardians, that he antici- 
pated a speedy and satisfactory settlement of the whole matter, ad- 
vised Padilla to return to his rancho and disperse his band, and 
positively refused to permit any violence to the guard, as he was con- 
vinced that such would lead to disastrous consequences, and probably 
involve the rancheros and their families in ruin without accomplishing 
any good result. Lieutenant Revere says of this episode : 

''This was not told to me by Vallejo, but by a person who was pres- 
ent, and it tallies well with the account given by the revolutionists 
themselves, several of whom informed me that no guard was kept by 
them that night, and that the prisoners might have easily escaped had 
they felt so inclined. The same person also told me that when Vallejo 
was called out of bed and made a prisoner in his own house, he re- 
quested to be informed as to the plans and objects of the revolutionists, 
signifying his readiness to collect and take command of a force of his 
countrymen in the cause of independence." 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 45 

Having traveled about two-thirds of the way from Sutter's Fort, 
Captain Merritt and Kit Carson rode on ahead with the news of the 
capture of Sonoma, desiring that arrangements be made for the re- 
ception of the prisoners. They entered the fort early in the morning of 
June i6th. That evening the rest of the party, with their prisoners, 
came and were handed over to the safe-keeping of Captain Sutter, who, 
it is said, was severely censured by Captain Fremont for his indulgence 
to them. 

Mr. Thomas C. Lancey, the author of several interesting letters on 
this subject that appeared in The Pioneer during the year 1878, re- 
marks : 

''There have been so many questions raised during this year (1878) 
in relation to the date of the hoisting of the 'Bear Flag,' who made it, 
and what material it was manufactured from, as \Yell as the date of the 
capture of Sonoma and the number of men who marched that morning, 
that I shall give the statements of several who are entitled to a hearing, 
as they were actors in that drama. 

"The writer of this (Mr. Lancey) was here in 1846, and served dur- 
ing the war, and has never left the country since, but was not one of 
those who were found to be able to form a correct opinion as to the 
correctness of these dates. Doctor Robert Semple, who was one of that 
party from the first, says in his diary that they entered Sonoma at early 
dawn on the 14th of June, 1846, thirty-three men, rank and file. Wil- 
liam B. Ide, who was chosen their commander, says in his diary the 
same. Captain Henry L. Ford, another of this number, says, or rather 
his historian, S. H. W., of Santa Cruz, whom I take to be the Rev. S. 
H. Willey, makes him say, that they captured Sonoma on the 12th of 
June, with thirty-three men. Lieutenant William Baldridge, one of the 
party, makes the date the 14th of June, and the number of men twenty- 
three. Lieutenant Joseph Warren Revere, of the United States ship 
'Portsmouth,' who hauled down the 'Bear Flag' and hoisted the Ameri- 
can flag on the 9th of July, and at a later date commanded the garrison, 
says the place was captured on the 14th of June." 

To this list is now added the documentary evidence produced above, 
fixing the date of capture of General Vallejo and his officers, and there- 
fore the taking of Sonoma, as June 14, 1846. 

On the seizure of the citadel of Sonoma, the Independents found 



46 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

floating from the flagstaff-head the flag of Mexico, a fact which had 
escaped notice during the bustle of the morning. It was at once lowered, 
and they set to work to devise a banner which they should claim as 
their own. They were as one on the subject of there being a star on the 
groundwork, but they taxed their ingenuity to have some other device, 
for the *'lone star" had been already appropriated by Texas. 

So many accounts of the manufacture of this insignia have been 
published that we give the reader those quoted by the writer in The 
Pioneer: "A piece of cotton cloth," says Mr. Lancy, "was obtained, and 
a man by the name of Todd proceeded to paint from a pot of red paint 
a star in the corner. Before he was finished, Henry L. Ford, one of the 
party, proposes to paint on the center, facing the star, a grizzly bear. 
This was unanimously agreed to, and the grizzly bear was painted 
accordingly. When it was done, the flag was taken to the flagstaff, and 
hoisted amid the hurrahs of the little party, who swore to defend it with 
their lives." 

Of this matter Lieutenant Revere says: ''A flag was also hoisted 
bearing a grizzly bear rampant, with one stripe below, and the words 
'RepubHc of California' above the bear, and a single star in the Union." 
This is the evidence of the officer who hauled down the Bear Flag and 
replaced it with the Stars and Stripes on July 9, 1846. 

The Western Shore Gazetteer has the following version: "On the 
14th of June, 1846, this little handful of men proclaimed California a 
free and independent republic, and on that day hoisted their flag, known 
as the 'Bear Flag' ; this consisted of a strip of wornout cotton domestic, 
furnished by Mrs. Kelley, bordered with red flannel, furnished by Mrs. 
John Sears, who had fled from some distant part to Sonoma for safety 
upon hearing that war had been thus commenced. In the center of the 
flag was a representation of a bear en passant, painted with Venetian 
red, and in one corner was painted a star of the same color. Under the 
bear were inscribed the words 'Republic of California,' put on with 
common writing-ink. This flag is preserved by the California Pioneer 
Association, and may be seen at their rooms in San Francisco. It was 
designed and executed by W. L. Todd." 

The Sonoma Democrat, under the caption "A true history of the 
Bear Flag," tells its story : "The rest of the revolutionary party remahied 
in possession of the town. Among them were three young men, Todd, 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 47 

Benjamin Duell, and Thomas Cowie. A few days after the capture, in 
a casual conversation between these young men, the matter of a flag 
came up. They had no authority to raise the American flag, and they 
determined to make one. Their general idea was to imitate, without 
following too closely, their national ensign. Mrs. W. B. Elliott had been 
brought to the town of Sonoma by her husband from his ranch on the 
Mark West Creek, for safety. The old Elliott cabin may be seen to this 
day on Mark West Creek, about a mile above the springs. From Mrs. 
Elliott, Ben Duell got a piece of new red flannel, some white domestic, 
needles and thread. A piece of blue drilling was obtained elsewhere. 
From this material, without consulting with anyone else, these three 
young men made the Bear Flag. Cowie had been a saddler. Duell had 
also served a short time at the same trade. To form the flag Duell and 
Cowie sewed together alternate strips of red, vy^hite, and blue. Todd 
drew in the upper corner a star and painted on the lower a rude picture 
of a grizzly bear, which was not standing, as has been sometimes 
represented, but was drawn with head down. The bear was afterward 
adopted as the design of the great seal of the State of California. On 
the original flag it was so rudely executed that two of those who saw 
it raised have told us that it looked more like a hog than a bear. Be 
that as it may, its meaning was plain — that the revolutionary party 
would, if necessary, fight their way through at all hazards. In the lan- 
guage of our informant, it meant that there was no back out ; they in- 
tended to fight it out. There were no halyards on the flagstaff which 
stood in front of the barracks. It was again reared, and the flag, which 
was soon to be replaced by that of the republic, for the first time floated 
on the breeze." 

Besides the above-quoted authorities, John S. Hittell, historian of the 
Society of CaUfornia Pioneers, San Francisco, and H. H. Bancroft, 
the Pacific Coast historian, affixed the dates of the raising of the Bear 
Flag as June 12th and June 15th, respectively. William Winter, secre- 
tary of the Association of Territorial Pioneers of California, and Mr. 
Lancey questioned the correctness of these dates, and entered into cor- 
respondence with all the men known to be alive who were of that 
party and others who were likely to throw any light on the subject. 
Among many answers received, w^e quote the following portion of a 
letter from James G. Bleak: 



48 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

"St. George, Utah, i6th of April, 1878. 
"To William Winter, Esq., 

"Secretary Association of Territorial Pioneers of California. 
"Dear Sir: Your communication of 3rd instant is placed in my hands 
by the widow of a departed friend, James M. Ide, son of William B., 
as I have at present in my charge some of his papers. In reply to your 
question asking for the 'correct date' of raising the 'Bear Flag' at So- 
noma, in 1846, I will quote from the writing of William B. Ide, de- 
ceased : 'The said Bear Flag [was] made of plane [plain] cotton cloth, 
and ornamented with the red flannel of a shirt from the back of one of 
the men, and christened by the 'California Republic' in red paint letters 
on both sides; [it] was raised upon the standard where had floated on 
the breeze the Mexican flag aforetime; it was the 14th of June, '46. 
Our whole number was twenty-four all told. The mechanism of the flag 
was performed by William L. Todd, of Illinois. The Grizzly Bear was 
chosen as an emblem of strength and unyielding resistance.' " 

The following testimony, conveyed to the Los Angeles Express from 
the artist of the flag, we now produce as possibly the best that can be 

^°^^^- "Los Angeles, January 11, 1878. 

"Your letter of the 9th inst. came duly to hand, and in answer I have 
to say in regard to the making of the original bear flag of California, 
at Sonoma, in 1846, that when the Americans, who had taken up arms 
against the Spanish regime, had determined what kind of a flag should 
be adopted, the following persons performed the work: Granville P. 
Swift, Peter Storm, Henry L. Ford, and myself ; we procured, in the 
house where we made our headquarters, a piece of new unbleached 
cotton domestic, not quite a yard wide, with stripes of red flannel about 
four inches wide, furnished by Mrs. John Sears, on the lower side of the 
canvas. On the upper left-hand corner was a star, and in the center 
was the image made to represent a grizzly bear passant, so common in 
this country at the time. The bear and star were painted with paint 
made of linseed oil and Venetian red or Spanish brown. Underneath 
the bear were the words 'California Republic' The other persons en- 
gaged with me got the materials together, while I acted as artist. The 
forms of the bear and star and the letters were first outlined with pen 
and ink by myself, and the two forms were filled in with the red paint, 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 



49 



but the letters with ink. The fl^g mentioned by Mr. Hittell, with the 
bear rampant, was made, as I always understood, at Santa Barbara, 
and was painted black. Allow me to say, that at that time there was not 
a wheelwright shop in California. The flag I painted I saw in the rooms 
of the California Pioneers in San Francisco, in 1870, and the Secretary 
will show it to any person who will call on him at any time. If it is the 
one I painted, it will be known by a mistake in tinting out the words 
'California Republic' The letters were first lined out with a pen, and 
I left out the letter T and lined out the letter *C' in its place. But after- 
wards I lined out the letter T' over the 'C, so that the last syllable of 
'Republic' looks as if the two last letters were blended. 

"Yours respectfully, 

"Wm. L. Todd.-^ 

The San Francisco Evening Post of April 20,' 1874, has the follow- 
ing: "General Sherman has just forwarded to the Society of California 
Pioneers the guidon which the Bear Company bore at the time of the 
conquest of CaHfornia. The relic is of white silk, with a two-inch-wide 
red stripe at the bottom, and a bear in the center, over which is the in- 
scription : 'Republic of California.' It is accompanied by the following 
letter from the donor: 

" 'Society of California Pioneers, San Francisco, California, — 
" 'Gentlemen : At the suggestion of General Sherman, I beg leave to 
send to your society herewith a guidon, formerly belonging to the So- 
noma troop of the California battalion of 1846, for preservation. This 
guidon I found among the effects of that troop when I hauled down 
the bear flag and substituted the flag of the United States at Sonoma, 
on the 9th of July, 1846, and have preserved it ever since. 
" 'Very respectfully, etc., 

" 'Jos. W. Revere, Brigadier-General. 
" 'Morristown, N, J., February 20, 1874.' " 

The garrison being now in possession, it was necessary to elect of- 
ficers ; therefore, Henry L. Ford was elected first lieutenant, Granville 
P. Swift first sergeant, and Samuel Gibson second sergeant. Sentries 
were posted, and a system of military routine inaugurated. In the fore- 
noon, while on parade. Lieutenant Ford addressed the company in these 



50 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



words: ''My countrymen: We have taken upon ourselves a very re- 
sponsible duty. We have entered into a war with the Mexican nation. 
We are bound to defend each other or be shot. There is no halfway 
place about it. To defend ourselves we must have discipline. Each of 
you has had a voice in choosing your officers. Now they are chosen, 
they must be obeyed." To which the entire band responded that the au- 
thority of the officers should be supported. The words of William B. 
Ide, in continuation of the letter quoted above, throw further light upon 
the machinery of the civil-military force : "The men were divided into 
two companies of ten each. The First Artillery were busily engaged in 
putting the cannons in order, which were charged doubly with grape 
and canister. The First Rifle Company were busied in cleaning, re- 
pairing, and loading the small arms. The commander, after setting a 
guard and posting a sentinel on one of the highest buildings, to watch 
the approach of any persons who might feel a curiosity to inspect our 
operations, directed his leisure to the establishment of some system of 
finance, whereby all the defenders' families might be brought within 
the lines of our garrison and supported. Ten thousand pounds of flour 
were purchased on the credit of the Government, and deposited with the 
garrison ; and an account was opened, on terms agreed upon, for a sup- 
ply of beef and a few barrels of salt constituted our main supplies. 
Whisky was contrabanded altogether. After the first round of duties 
was performed, as many as could be spared off guard were called to- 
gether, and our situation fully explained to the men by the commanders 
of the garrison. 

'Tt was fully represented that our success — nay, our very life — de- 
pended on the magnanimity and justice of our course of conduct, 
coupled with sleepless vigilance and care. (But ere this we had gathered 
as many of the surrounding citizens as possible, and placed them out 
of harm's way between four strong walls. They were more than twice 
our number.) The commander chose from these strangers the most in- 
telligent, and by the use of an interpreter went on to explain the cause 
of our coming together ; our determination to offer equal protection and 
equal justice to all good and virtuous citizens; and we had not called 
them there to rob them of any portion of their property or to disturb 
them in their social relations with one another; nor yet to desecrate 
their religion." 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 5 1 

As will be learned from the foregoing, the number of those who were 
under the protection of the Bear Flag within Sonoma had been consid- 
erably increased. A messenger had been dispatched to San Francisco to 
inform Captain Montgomery, of the United States ship ''Portsmouth," 
of the action taken by the little garrison, with the further statement that 
it was the intention of the insurgents never to lay down their arms until 
the independence of their adopted country had been established. An- 
other message was dispatched about this time, but in a different direc- 
tion. Lieutenant Ford, finding that the magazine was short of powder, 
sent two men named Cowie and Fowler, to the Sotoyome Rancho, 
owned by H. D. Fitch, for a bag of gun-powder. The messenger to San 
Francisco returned, the latter two never. Before starting they were 
cautioned against proceeding by traveled ways — good advice, which, 
however, they followed for only the first ten njiles of their journey, 
when they struck into the main thoroughfare into Santa Rosa. At about 
two miles from that place they were attacked and slaughtered by a party 
of Californians. Two others were dispatched on special duties ; they too 
were captured, but were better treated. Receiving no intelligence from 
either of the parties, foul play was suspected ; therefore, on the morn- 
ing of the 20th of June Sergeant Gibson, with four men, was ordered 
to proceed to the Sotoyome Rancho, learn, if possible, the whereabouts 
of the missing men, and procure the powder. They went as directed, 
secured the ammunition, but got no news of the missing men. As they 
were passing Santa Rosa on their return, they were attacked at day- 
light by a few Californians, and, turning upon their assailants, captured 
two of them. Bias Angelina and Bernardino Garcia, alias Three-Fin- 
gered Jack, and took them to Sonoma. They told of the taking and slay- 
ing of Cowie and Fowler, and that their captors were Ramon Mesa 
Domingo, Mesa Juan Padilla, Ramon Carrillo, Bernardino Garcia, Bias 
Angelina, Francisco Tibran, Ygnacio Balensuella, Juan Peralta, Juan 
Soleto, Inaguan Carrillo, Mariano Merando, Francisco Garcia, and 
Ygnacio Stigger. The story of their death is a sad one. After Cowie and 
Fowler had been seized by the Californians, they encamped for the 
night, and the following morning determined in council what should be 
the fate of their captives. A swarthy New Mexican, named Mesa Juan 
Padilla, and Three-Fingered Jack, the Calif ornian, were loudest in their 
denunciation of the prisoners as deserving of death, and unhappily 



52 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

their counsels prevailed. The unfortunate young wen were then led out, 
stripped naked, bound to a tree with a lariat, while for a time the in- 
human monsters practiced knife-throwing at their naked bodies, the 
victims praying to be shot. They then began throwing stones at them, 
one of which broke the jaw of Fowler. The fiend Three-Fingered Jack, 
then advancing, thrust the end of his riata (a rawhide rope) through 
Fowler's mouth, cut an incision in his throat, and then made a tie by 
which the jaw was dragged out. They next proceeded to kill 
them slowly with their knives. Cowie, who had fainted, had the flesh 
stripped from his arms and shoulders, and pieces of flesh were cut from 
their bodies and crammed into their mouths, they being finally disem- 
boweled. Their mutilated remains were afterward found and buried 
where they fell, upon the farm now owned by George Moore, two miles 
north of Santa Rosa. No stone marks the grave of these pioneers, one 
of whom took so conspicuous a part in the events which gave to the 
Union the great State of California. Three-Fingered Jack was killed by 
Captain Harry Love's rangers July 27, 1853, at Pinola Pass, near the 
Merced River, with the bandit Joaquin Murietta, while Ramon Carrillo 
met his death at the hands of the Vigilantes between Los Angeles and 
San Diego May 21, 1864. At the time of his death, the above murder, 
in which it was said he was implicated, became the subject of news- 
paper comment ; indeed, so bitter was the tone of the press that on June 
4, 1864, the Sonoma Democrat published a letter from Julio Carrillo, a 
respected citizen of Santa Rosa, an extract from which we reproduce : 
"But I wish more particularly to call attention to an old charge, 
which I presume owes its revival to the same source : That my brother, 
Ramon Carrillo, was connected with the murder of two Americans, 
who had been taken prisoners by a company commanded by one Padilla 
in 1846. I presume this charge first originated from the fact that my 
brother had been active in raising the company which was commanded 
by Padilla, and from the further fact that the murder occurred near 
the Santa Rosa farm then occupied by my mother's family. Notwith- 
standing these appearances, I have proof which is incontestable that my 
brother was not connected with this affair, and was not even aware 
that these men had been taken prisoners until after they had been killed. 
The act was disapproved by all the native Calif ornians at the time, ex- 
cepting those implicated in the killing, and caused a difference which 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 53 

was never entirely healed. There are, as I beHeve, many Americans now 
living in this vicinity, who were here at the time, and who know the 
facts I have mentioned. I am ready to furnish proof of what I have 
said to any who may desire it." 

The messenger dispatched to the United States ship "Portsmouth" 
returned on the 17th in company with First Lieutenant John Storny 
Missroom and John E. Montgomery, son and clerk of Captain Mont- 
gomery, who dispatched by express letters from that officer to Fremont 
and Sutter. These arrived the following day, the i8th, and on the 19th 
Fremont came to Sutter's with twenty-two men, bringing Jose Noriega, 
of San Jose, and Vicente Peralta, as prisoners. 

At Sonoma, on June i8th, Captain William B. Ide, with the consent 
of the garrison, issued the following: 

"A proclamation to all persons and citizens of the district of Sonoma, 
requesting them to remain at peace and follow their rightful occu- 
pations without fear of molestation. 

"The commander-in-chief of the troops assembled at the fortress of 
Sonoma gives his inviolable pledge to all persons in California not 
found under arms, that they shall not be disturbed in their persons, 
their property, or social relations with one another by men under his 
command. 

"He also solemnly declares his object to be: first, to defend himself 
and companions in arms, who were invited to this country by a promise 
of lands on which to settle themselves and families; who were also 
promised a republican government ; when, having arrived in California, 
they were denied the privilege of buying or renting lands of their 
friends, who, instead of being allowed to participate in or being pro- 
tected by a republican government, were oppressed by a military despo- 
tism ; who were even threatened by proclamation by the chief officers of 
the aforesaid despotism with extermination if they should not depart 
out of the country, leaving all their property, arms and beasts of bur- 
den; and thus deprived of their means of flight or defense, were to be 
driven through deserts inhabitated by hostile Indians to certain de- 
struction. 

"To overthrow a government which has seized upon the property of 
the missions for its individual aggrandizement; which has ruined and 



54 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



shamefully oppressed the laboring people of California by enormous 
exactions on goods imported into the country, is the determined pur- 
pose of the brave men who are associated under my command. 

"I also solemnly declare my object, in the second place, to be to invite 
all peaceable and good citizens of California who are friendly to the 
maintenance of good order and equal rights, and I do hereby invite 
them to repair to my camp at Sonoma, without delay, to assist us in es- 
tablishing and perpetuating a republican government which shall secure 
to all civil and religious liberty ; which shall encourage virtue and liter- 
ature ; which shall leave unshackled by fetters, agriculture, commerce, 
and manufactures. 

"I further declare that I rely upon the rectitude of our intentions, to 
the favor of heaven and the bravery of those who are bound and asso- 
ciated with me by the principles of self-preservation, by the love of 
truth and the hatred of tyranny, for my hope of success. 

"I furthermore declare that I believe that a government, to be pros- 
perous and happy, must originate with the people who are friendly to 
its existence ; that the citizens are its guardians, the officers its servants, 
its glory its reward. "William B. Ide. 

"Headquarters, Sonoma, June i8, 1846." 

The Pioneer says that William B. Ide was born in Ohio, came over- 
land to California, reaching Sutter's Fort in October, 1845. O^ J^^^ 7j 
1847, Governor Mason appointed him land surveyor for the Northern 
District of California, and in the same month he was appointed justice 
of the peace at Cache Creek. At an early day he got a grant of land called 
the Rancho Barranca Colorado, just below Red Creek, in Colusa Coun- 
ty, as it was then organized. In 1851 he was elected county treasurer, 
with an assessment-roll of $373,260, and moved with the county seat to 
Monroeville, at the mouth of Stoney Creek. On September 3, 1851, he 
was elected county judge of Colusa County and practiced law, having a 
Hcense. Judge Ide died of smallpox at Monroeville on December 18, 
1852, aged fifty years. 

Let us for a moment turn to the doings of Castro. On June 17th he 
issued two proclamations, one to the new, the other to the old citizens 
and foreigners. Appended are translations : 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 55 

"The citizen, Jose Castro, Lieutenant-Colonel of Cavalry in the Mexi- 
can Army, and acting General Commandant of the Department of 
California. 

"Fellow Citizens: The contemptible poHcy of the agents of the 
United States of North America in this department has induced a num- 
ber of adventurers, who, regardless of the rights of men, have design- 
edly commenced an invasion, possessing themselves of the town of So- 
noma, taking by surprise all the place, the military commander of that 
border, Col. Don Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, Lieutenant-Colonel Don 
Victor Prudon, Captain Don Salvador Vallejo, and Mr. Jacob P. Leese. 

"Fellow-countrymen, the defense of our liberty, the true religion 
which our fathers possessed, and our independence, call upon us to 
sacrifice ourselves rather than lose those inestimable blessings. Banish 
from your hearts all petty resentments; turn you, and behold your- 
selves, these famiUes, these innocent little ones, which have unfortu- 
nately fallen into the hands of our enemies, dragged from the bosoms 
of their fathers, who are prisoners among foreigners and are calling 
upon us to succor them. There is still time for us to rise en masse, as 
irresistible as retribution. You need not doubt but that Divine Provi- 
dence will direct us in the way to glory. You should not vacillate be- 
cause of the smallness of the garrison of the general headquarters, for 
he who will first sacrifice himself, will be your friend and fellow-citizen, 

** TosF" Castro 
"Headquarters, Santa Clara, June 17, 1846." •^ 

"The citizen, Jose Castro, Lieutenant-Colonel of Cavalry in the Mexi- 
can Army, and Acting Commandant of the Department of Califor- 
nia. 

"All foreigners residing among us, occupied with their business, may 
rest assured of the protection of all the authorities of the department 
while they refrain entirely from all revolutionary movements. 

"The General Comandancia under my charge will never proceed with 
vigor against any persons, neither will its authority result in mere 
words, wanting proof to support it ; declarations shall be taken, proofs 
executed, and the liberty and rights of the laborious, which is ever 
commendable, shall be protected. 

"Let the fortunes of war take its chance with those ungrateful men 
who, with arms in their hands, have attacked the country, without 



56 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

recollecting that they were treated by the undersigned with all the in- 
dulgence of which he is so characteristic. The imperative inhabitants of 
the department are witness to the truth of this. I have nothing to fear; 
my duty leads me to death or victory. I am a Mexican soldier, and I 
will be free and independent, or I will gladly die for those inestimable 

blessings. ..-r . ^ 

Jose Castro. 

"Headquarters, Santa Clara, June 17, 1846." 

On June 20th a body of about seventy Calif ornians, under Captain 
Jose Joaquin de la Torre, crossed the Bay of San Francisco, and hav- 
ing joined Correo and Padilla, marched to the vicinity of San Rafael, 
while General Castro had, by the utmost pressure, raised his forces to 
two hundred and fifty men, most of them being forced volunteers. Of 
this system of recruiting Lieutenant Revere says: *T heard that on a 
feast day, when the rancheros came to the mission in their 'go-to-meet- 
ing' clothes, with their wives and children, Castro seized their hoises 
and forced the men to volunteer in defense of their homes, against I03 
salvajes Americanos. Castro, at the head of his army, on the evening of 
the 27th of June, marched out of Santa Clara, and proceeding around 
the head of the Bay of San Francisco as far as the San Leandro Creek, 
halted on the rancho of Estudillo, where we shall leave them for the 
present. 

Captain J. C. Fremont, having concluded that it had become his duty 
to take a personal part in the revolution which he had fostered, on June 
2 1 St transferred his impedimenta to the safe-keeping of Captain Sutter 
at the fort, and recrossing the American River encamped on the Sin- 
clair Rancho, where he was joined by Pearson B. Redding and all the 
trappers about Sutter's Fort, and there awaited orders. On the after- 
noon of the 23d Harrison Pierce, who had settled in Napa Valley in 
1843, came into their camp, having ridden the eighty miles with but one 
change of horses, which he procured from John R. Wolf skill, on Putah 
Creek, now Solano County, and conveyed to Fremont the intelligence 
that the little garrison at Sonoma was greatly excited consequent on 
news received that General Castro, with a considerable force, was ad- 
vancing on the town and hurling threats of recapture and hanging of 
the rebels. On receiving the promise of Fremont to come to their rescue 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 57 

as soon as he could, putting ninety men into the saddle, Pierce obtained 
a fresh mount and returned without drawing rein to the anxious garri- 
son, who received him and his message with every demonstration of 
joy. Fremont, having found horses for his ninety mounted rifles, left 
the Sinclair Rancho on June 23d — a curious looking cavalcade, truly. 
One of the party writes of them : 

''There were Americans, French, English, Swiss, Poles, Russians, 
Prussians, Chileans, Germans, Greeks, Austrians, Pawnees, native In- 
dians, etc., all riding side by side, and talking a polyglot lingual hash 
never exceeded in diversibility since the confusion of tongues at the 
Tower of Babel. Some wore the relics of their homespun garments, 
some relied upon the antelope and the bear for their wardrobe, some 
lightly habited in buckskin leggings and a coat of war-paint, and their 
weapons were equally various. There was the grim old hunter, with his 
long heavy rifle, the farmer with his double-barreled shot-gun, the Indian 
with his bow and arrows, and others with horse-pistols, revolvers, sa- 
bers, ships' cutlasses, bowie-knives and 'pepper-boxes' (Allen's revol- 
vers)." 

Though the Bear Flag army was incongruous in personnel, as a body 
it was composed of the best fighting material. Each of them was inured 
to hardship and privation, self-rehant, fertile in resources, versed in 
woodcraft and Indian fighting, accustomed to handling fire-arms, and 
full of energy and daring. It was a band of hardy adventurers, such as 
in an earlier age wrested this land from the feebler aborigines. With 
this band Fremont arrived at Sonoma at two o'clock in the morning of 
June 25, 1846, having made forced marches. 

The reader may not have forgotten the capture and horrible butchery 
of Cowie and Fowler by the Padilla party. A few days thereafter, while 
William L. Todd (the artist of the Bear Flag) was trying to catch a 
horse a little distance from the barracks at Sonoma, he was captured by 
the same gang, and afterward, falling in with another man, he too was 
taken prisoner. The party several times signified their intention of slay- 
ing Todd, but he, fortunately knowing something of the Spanish tongue, 
was able to make them understand that his death would seal General 
Vallejo's doom, and this saved his life. He and his companion in mis- 
fortune, with whom he had no opportunity to converse, and who ap- 
peared to be an Englishman — a half fool and common loafer — were 



58 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

conveyed to the Indian rancheria called Olompoli, some eight miles from 
Petaluma. 

For the purpose of liberating the prisoners and keeping the enemy 
in check until the arrival of Captain Fremont, Lieutenant Ford mus- 
tered a squad, variously stated at from twenty to twenty-three men, 
among whom were Granville P. Swift, Samuel Kelsey, William Bald- 
ridge, and Frank Bedwell, and on June 23d, taking with them from 
Sonoma the two prisoners. Bias Angelina and Three-Fingered Jack, 
marched for where it was thought the Calif ornians had established 
their headquarters. Here they learned from some Indians, under con- 
siderable military pressure, that the California troops had left three 
hours before. They now partook of a hasty meal, and with one of the 
Indians as guide proceeded toward the Laguna de San Antonio, and 
that night halted within half a mile of the enemy's camp. At dawn they 
charged the place and took the only men they found there prisoners; 
their number was four, the remainder having left for San Rafael. 

Four men were left here to guard their prisoners and horses, and 
Ford, with fourteen others, started in pursuit of the enemy. Leaving 
the lagoon of San Antonio and striking into the road leading to San 
Rafael, after a quick ride of four miles, they came in sight of the house 
where the Calif ornians had passed the night with their two prisoners, 
Todd and his companion, and were then enjoying themselves within its 
walls. Ford's men were as ignorant of their proximity as were the 
Californians of theirs. However, when the advance guard arrived in 
sight of the corral, and perceiving it to be full of horses, with a num- 
ber of Indian vaqueros around it, they made a brilliant dash to prevent 
the animals from being turned loose. While exulting over their good 
fortune at this unlooked for addition to their cavalry arm, they were 
surprised to see the Californians rush out of the house and mount their 
already saddled quadrupeds. 

It should be said that the house was situated on the edge of a plain, 
some sixty yards from a grove of brushwood. In a moment Ford 
formed his men into two half companies and charged the enemy, who, 
perceiving the movement, retreated behind the grove of trees. From 
his position Ford counted them, and found that there were eighty-five. 
Notwithstanding he had but fourteen in his ranks, nothing daunted, he 
dismounted his men, and, taking advantage of the protection offered 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 59 

by the brushwood, prepared for action. The Californians, observing 
this evolution, became emboldened and prepared for a charge. On this 
Ford calmly awaited the attack, giving stringent orders that his rear 
rank should hold their fire until the enemy were well up. On they came 
with shouts, the brandishing of swords, and the flash of pistols, until 
within thirty yards of the Americans, whose front rank then opened a 
withering fire and emptied the saddles of eight of the Mexican sol- 
diery. On receiving this volley the enemy wheeled to the right-about 
and made a break for the hills, while Ford's rear rank played upon 
them at long range, causing three more to bite the earth and wounding 
two others. The remainder retreated helter-skelter to a hill in the direc- 
tion of San Rafael, leaving the two prisoners in the house. Ford's little 
force, having now attained the object of their expedition, secured their 
prisoners of war, and going to the corral where the enemy had a large 
drove of horses changed their jaded nags for fresh ones, took the re- 
maining animals, some four hundred, and retraced their victorious 
steps to Sonoma, where they were heartily welcomed by their anxious 
countrymen, who had feared for their safety. 

We last left Captain Fremont at Sonoma, where he had arrived at 
two o'clock in the morning of the 25th of June. After giving his men 
and horses a short rest and receiving a small addition to his force, he 
was once more in the saddle and started for San Rafael, where it was 
said Castro had joined De la Torre with two hundred and fifty men. 
At four o'clock in the afternoon they came in sight of the position 
thought to be occupied by the enemy. They approached cautiously until 
quite close, then charged, the first three to enter being Fremont, Kit 
Carson, and J. W. Marshall (the future discoverer of gold), but they 
found the lines occupied by only four men. Captain Torre having left 
some three hours previously. Fremont camped on the ground that night, 
and on the following morning dispatched scouting parties, while the 
main body remained at San Rafael for three days. Captain Torre had 
departed, no one knew whither ; he left not a trace ; but General Castro 
was seen from the commanding hills behind approaching on the other 
side of the bay. One evening a scout brought in an Indian, on whom 
was found a letter from Torre to Castro, purporting to inform the 
latter that he would that night concentrate his forces and march upon 
Sonoma and attack it in the morning. 



6o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Captain Gillespie and Lieutenant Ford held that the letter was a 
ruse designed for the purpose of drawing the American forces back to 
Sonoma, and thus leave an avenue of escape open for the Californians. 
Opinions on the subject were divided; however, by midnight every 
man of them was in Sonoma. It was afterward known that they had 
passed the night within a mile of Captain de la Torre's camp, who, on 
ascertaining the departure of the revolutionists, effected his escape to 
Santa Clara via Sausalito. 

On or about the 26th of June, Lieutenant Joseph W. Revere, of the 
sloop-of-war ''Portsmouth," in company with Doctor Andrew A. Hen- 
derson and a boatload of supplies, arrived at Sutter's Fort ; there arriv- 
ing also on the same day a party of men from Oregon, who at once 
cast their lot with the Bear Flag band, while on the 28th another boat, 
with Lieutenants Washington and Bartlett, put in an appearance. Of 
this visit of Lieutenant Revere to what afterward became Sacramento 
City, he says : 

''On arriving at the 'Embarcadero' (landing) were were not surprised 
to find a mounted guard of 'patriots,' who had long been apprised by 
the Indians that a boat was ascending the river. These Indians were 
indeed important auxiliaries to the revolutionists during the short 
period of strife between the parties contending for the sovereignty of 
California. Having been most cruelly treated by the Spanish race, mur- 
dered even on slight provocation, when their oppressors made maraud- 
ing expeditions for servants, and when captured compelled to labor 
for their unsparing task-masters, the Indians throughout the country 
hailed the day when the hardy strangers from beyond the Sierra Ne- 
vada rose up in arms against the hijos del pais (sons of the country). 
Entertaining an exalted opinion of the skill and prowess of the Ameri- 
cans, and knowing from experience that they were of a milder and less 
sanguinary character than the rancheros, they anticipated a complete 
deliverance from their burdens, and assisted the revolutionists to the 
full extent of their humble abilities. 

"Emerging from the woods lining the river, we stood upon a plain of 
immense extent, bounded on the west by the heavy timber which marks 
the course of the Sacramento, the dim outline of the Sierra Nevada ap- 
pearing in the distance. We now came to some extensive fields of wheat 
in full bearing, waving gracefully in the gentle breeze like the billows 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 6l 

of the sea, and saw the whitewashed walls of the fort, situated on a 
small eminence commanding the approaches on all sides. 

"We were met and welcomed by Captain Sutter and the officer in com- 
mand of the garrison, but the appearance of things indicated that our 
reception would have been very different had we come on a hostile 
errand. 

'The appearance of the fort, with its crenated walls, fortified gate- 
way and bastioned angles ; the heavily bearded, fierce-looking hunters 
and trappers, armed with rifles, bowie-knives, and pistols; their orna- 
mented hunting-shirts and gartered leggings ; their long hair, turbaned 
with colored handkerchiefs; their wild and almost savage looks and 
dauntless and independent bearing; the wagons filled with golden grain ; 
the arid, and yet fertile plains ; the caballadas driven across it by wild, 
shouting Indians, enveloped in clouds of dust, and the dashing horse- 
men scouring the fields in every direction; all these accessories con- 
spired to carry me back to the romantic East, and I could almost fancy 
again that I was once more the guest of some powerful Arab chieftain 
in his desert stronghold. Everything bore the impress of vigilance and 
preparation for defense, and not without reason, for Castro, then at the 
Pueblo de San Jose with a force of several hundred men, well pro- 
vided with horses and artillery, had threatened to march upon the val- 
ley of the Sacramento. 

"The fort consists of a parallelogram, inclosed by adobe walls fifteen 
feet high and two thick, with bastions or towers at the angles, the walls 
of which are four feet thick, and their embrasures so arranged as to 
flank the curtain on all sides. A good house occupies the center of the 
interior area, serving for officers' quarters, armories, guard and state 
rooms, and also for a kind of citadel. There is a second wall on the 
inner face, the space between it and the outer wall being roofed and 
divided into workshops, quarters, etc., and the usual offices are pro- 
vided, and also a well of good water. Corrals for the cattle and horses 
of the garrison are conveniently placed where they can be under the 
eye of the guard. Cannon frown from the various embrasures, and the 
ensemble presents the very ideal of a border fortress. It must have as- 
tonished the natives when this monument of the white man's skill arose 
from the plain and showed its dreadful teeth in the midst of those 
peaceful solitudes. 



62 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

"I found during this visit that General Vallejo and his companions 
were rigorously guarded by the 'patriots/ but I saw him and had some 
conversation with him, which it was easy to see excited a very ridic- 
ulous amount of suspicion on the part of his vigilant jailers, whose 
position, however, as revolutionists was a little ticklish and incited in 
them that distrust w^hich in dangerous times is inseparable from low 
and ignorant minds. Indeed they carried their doubts so far as to 
threaten to shoot Sutter for being polite to his captives." 

Fremont, with his men having partaken of the early meal, on the 
morning of the 27th of June returned to San Rafael, being absent only 
twenty-four hours. 

Castro, who had been for three days watching the movements of 
Fremont from the other side of the bay, sent three men, Don Jose 
Reyes Berryessa (a retired sergeant of the Presidio company of San 
Francisco) and Ramon and Francisco de Haro (twin sons of Don 
Francisco de Haro, alcalde of San Francisco in 1838-39), to recon- 
noiter, and these three landed on what is now known as Point San 
Quentin. Here they were seized, with their arms, and on them were 
found written orders from Castro to Captain de la Torre (who it was 
not known had made his escape to Santa Clara) to kill every foreign 
man, woman, and child. These men were shot on the spot — first, as 
spies, and, second, in retaliation for the Americans so cruelly butchered 
by the Calif ornians. General Castro, fearing that he might, if caught, 
share the fate of his spies, left the rancho of the Estudillos, and after 
a hasty march arrived at the Santa Clara Mission on June 29, 1846. 

Captain William D. Phelps, of Lexington, Mass., who was lying at 
Sausalito with his bark, the ''Moscow," remarks (according to Mr. 
Lancey) : 

"When Fremont passed San Rafael in pursuit of Captain de la 
Torre's party I had just left them, and he sent me word that he would 
drive them to Sausalito that night, when they could not escape unless 
they got my boats. I hastened back to the ship and made all safe. There 
was a large launch lying near the beach ; this was anchored farther off, 
and I put provisions on board to be ready for Fremont should he need 
her. At night there was a boat on the shore. Torre's party must shortly 
arrive, and show fight or surrender. Toward morning we heard them 
arrive, and to our surprise they were seen passing with a small boat 




^^Cdji^LA oU^t.A^ 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 63 

from the shore to the launch ; a small boat had arrived from Yerba 
Buena during the night, which had proved their salvation. I dispatched 
a note to the commander of the 'Portsmouth' sloop-of-war, then lying 
at Yerba Buena, a cove (now San Francisco), informing him of their 
movements, and intimating that a couple of his boats could easily inter- 
cept and capture them. Captain Montgomery replied that not having 
received any official notice of war existing he could not act in the 
matter. 

"It was thus the poor scamps escaped. They pulled clear of the ship, 
and thus escaped supping on grape and canister, which we had pre- 
pared for them. 

''Fremont arrived and camped opposite my vessel, the bark 'Mos- 
cow,' the following night. They were early astir the next morning, when 
I landed to visit Captain Fremont, and were all variously employed in 
taking care of their horses, mending saddles, cleaning their arms, etc. 
I had not up to this time seen Fremont, but from reports of his charac- 
ter and exploits my imagination had painted him as a large-sized, 
martial-looking man or personage, towering above his companions, 
whiskered, and ferocious-looking. 

"I took a survey of the party, but could not discover any one who 
looked as I thought the captain to look. Seeing a tall, lank, Kentucky- 
looking chap (Doctor R. Semple), dressed in a greasy deerskin hunt- 
ing-shirt, with trousers to match, and which terminated just below the 
knees, his head surmounted by a coonskin cap, tail in front, who, I sup- 
posed, was an officer, as he was giving orders to the men, I approached 
and asked if the captain was in camp. He looked, and pointed to a slen- 
der-made, well-proportioned man sitting in front of the tent. His dress 
was a blue woolen shirt of somewhat novel style, open at the neck, 
trimmed with white and with a star on each point of the collar (a man- 
of-war-'s-man's shirt), over this a deerskin hunting-shirt, trimmed and 
fringed, which had evidently seen hard times or service, his head un- 
encumbered by hat or cap, but had a light cotton handkerchief bound 
around it, and deerskin moccasins completed the suit, which if not 
fashionable for Broadway, or for a presentation dress at court, struck 
me as being an excellent rig to scud under or fight in. A few minutes' 
conversation convinced me that I stood in the presence of the king of 
the Rocky Mountains." 



64 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Captain Fremont and his men remained at Sausalito until July 2d, 
when they left for Sonoma, and there prepared for a more perfect or- 
ganization, their plan being to keep the Calif ornians to the southern 
part of the State until the immigrants then on their way had time to 
cross the Sierra Nevada into California. On the 4th the national holiday 
was celebrated with due pomp ; while on the 5th the California battalion 
of mounted riflemen, two hundred and fifty strong, was organized. 
Brevet Captain John C. Fremont, Second Lieutenant of Topographical 
Engineers, was chosen commandant; First Lieutenant of Marines 
Archibald H. Gillespie, adjutant and inspector, with the rank of cap- 
tain. Says Fremont : 

"In concert and in co-operation with the American settlers, and in 
the brief space of thirty days, all was accomplished north of the Bay of 
San Francisco, and independence declared on the 5th of July. This was 
done at Sonoma, where the American settlers had assembled. I was 
called to my position and by the general voice to the chief direction of 
affairs, and on the 6th of July, at the head of the mounted riflemen, set 
out to find Castro. 

"We had to make the circuit of the head of the bay, crossing the 
Sacramento River (at Knight's Landing). On the loth of July, when 
within ten miles of Sutter's Fort, we received (by the hands of William 
Scott) the joyful intelligence that Commodore John Drake Sloat was 
at Monterey and had taken it on the 7th of July, and that war existed 
between the United States and Mexico. Instantly we pulled down the 
Flag of Independence (Bear Flag) and ran up that of the United 
States, amid general rejoicing and a national salute of twenty-one guns 
on the morning of the nth from Sutter's Fort, with a brass four- 
pounder called 'Sutter'." 

We find that at two o'clock on the morning of July 9th Lieutenant 
Joseph Warren Revere of the "Portsmouth" left that ship in one of her 
boats, and reaching the garrison at Sonoma at noon of that day, hauled 
down the Bear Flag and raised in its place the Stars and Stripes, and 
at the same time forwarded a United States flag to Sutter's Fort by the 
hands of William Scott, and another to Captain Stephen Smith at 
Bodega. Thus ended what was called the Bear Flag war. 

The following is the Mexican account of the Bear Flag war : 

"About a year before the commencement of the war a band of ad- 



THE BEAR FLAG WAR 65 

venturers, proceeding from the United States, and scattering over the 
vast territory of California, awaited only the signal of their Govern- 
ment to take the first step in the contest for usurpation. Various acts 
committed by these adventurers in violation of the laws of the country 
indicated their intentions. But, unfortunately, the authorities then ex- 
isting, divided among themselves, neither desired nor knew how to ar- 
rest the tempest. In the month of July, 1846, Captain Fremont, an 
engineer of the U. S. A., entered the Mexican territory with a few 
mounted riflemen, under the pretext of a scientific commission, and 
solicited and obtained from the commandant-general, Don Jose Castro, 
permission to traverse the country. Three months afterwards, on the 
19th of May (June 14th), that same force and their commander took 
possession by armed force and surprised the important town of 
Sonoma, seizing all the artillery, ammunition, armaments, etc., which 
it contained. 

''The adventurers, scattered along the Sacramento River, amounted 
to about four hundred, one hundred and sixty men having joined their 
force. They proclaimed for themselves and on their own authority the 
independence of California, raising a rose-colored flag with a bear and 
a star. The result of this scandalous proceeding was the plundering 
of the property of some Mexicans and the assassination of others — 
three men shot as spies by Fremont, who, faithful to their duty to the 
country, wished to make resistance. The commandant-general de- 
manded explanations on the subject of the commander of an American 
ship-of-war, the 'Portsmouth,' anchored in the Bay of San Francisco ; 
and although it was positively known that munitions of war, arms, and 
clothing were sent on shore to the adventurers, the commander, J. B. 
Montgomery, replied that 'neither the Government of the United States 
nor the subalterns had any part in the insurrection, and that the Ameri- 
can authorities ought, therefore, to punish its authors in conformity 
with the laws.' " 



CHAPTER VI 
EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER'S DIARY* 

I LEFT the State of Missouri, where I had resided for many years, on 
the first of April, 1838, and traveled with a party of men under Capt. 
Tripps, of the American Fur Company, to their rendezvous in the 
Rocky Mountains (Wind River Valley). From there I traveled with 
six brave men to Oregon, as I considered myself not strong enough to 
crbss the Sierra Nevada and go direct to California, (which was my in- 
tention from my start, having got some information from a gentlman 
from Mexico, who had been in California). 

Under a good many dangers and other troubles I passed the different 
forts or trading posts of the Hudson Bay Company, and arrived at the 
Mission at The Dalles on the Columbia River. From this place I crossed 
straight, through thick and thin, and arrived to the great astonishment 
of the inhabitants. I arrived after seven days in the Valley of the Wil- 
liamette, while others with good guides, arrived in seventeen days pre- 
vious my crossing. At Fort Vancouver I was very hospitably received 
and invited to pass the winter with the gentlemen of the company, but 
as a vessel of the company was ready to sail for the Sandwich Islands, 
I took passage in her in the hopes of soon getting passage from there 
to California. But five long months I had to wait for an opportunity to 
leave, but not direct to California, except far out of my way to the Rus- 
sian American colonies on the northwest coast, to Sitka, the residence 
of the Governor, (Latitude 57). 

I remained there one month and delivered the cargo of the Brig Clem- 
entine, as I had charge of the vessel, and then sailed down the coast in 
heavy gales, and entered in distress in the Port of San Francisco, on the 



* The following rough notes of narrative in the handwriting of the venerable General Sutter, 
the discoverer of gold in California, were found some years ago among the papers of an emi- 
nent citizen of this State. As a relation of incidents in the life of a man held in respect by 
every Californian, these hasty and imperfect memoranda will, it is believed, have a double in- 
terest and a lasting value. We have thought it best to preserve, as nearly as was practicable, 
the quaint phraseology, erroneous orthography, and imperfect punctuation of the manuscript, 
giving, in our judgment, an added charm to the narrative. — San Francisco Argonaut. 



EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER'S DIARY 67 

second of July, 1839. An officer and fifteen soldiers came on board and 
ordered me out, saying that Monterey was the port of entry. At last, 
I was allowed 48 hours to get provisions (as we were starving) and did 
some repairing on the brig. 

In Monterey I arranged my affairs with the Custom House and pre- 
sented myself to Governor Alvarado,and told my intention to settle here 
in this country, and that I have brought with me five white men and 
eight Kanacas (two of them married). Three of the white men were 
mechanics ; he was very glad to hear that, and particularly when I told 
him I intended to settle in the interior, on the banks of the River Sac- 
ramento, because the Indians at this time would not allow white men, 
and particularly of Spanish origin, to come near them ; they were very 
hostile, and stole the horses from the inhabitants near San Jose. 

I got a general passport for my small colony, and permission to se- 
lect a territory wherever I would find it convenient, and to come in one 
year's time again to Monterey to get my citizenship and the title to the 
land, which I have done so, and not only this, I received a high civil 
office. 

When I left Yerba Buena, (now San Francisco)^, after having leaved 
the brig and dispatched her back to the S. J., I bought several small 
boats (launches) and chartered the Schooner "Isabella" for my explor- 
ing journey to the inland rivers, and particularly to find the mouth of 
the River Sacramento, as I could find nobody who could give me infor- 
mation, only that they knew there were some very large rivers in the 
interior. 

It took me eight days before I could find the entrance to the Sacra- 
mento, as it is very deceiving and very easy to pass by ; how it happened 
to several officers of the Navy afterwards, which refused to take a pilot. 
About ten miles below Sacramento City I fell in with the first Indians, 
which were all armed and painted and looked very hostile. They was 
about 200 men, as some of them understood a little Spanish I could 
make a kind of treaty with them, and the two which understood Span- 
ish came with me and made me a little better acquainted with the coun- 
try. All other Indians on the Up River hided themselves in the bushes, 
and on the mouth of the Feather River they runned all away so soon 
they discovered us. I was examining the country a little further up with 
a boat, while the larger crafts let go their Ankers, on my return all the 



68 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

white men came to me and asked me how much longer I intended to 
travel with them in such a Wilderness. 

The following morning I gave orders to return, and entered in the 
American River, landed at the Farmer tannery on the 12th Augt. 1839. 
Gave orders to get everything on shore, pitch the tents and mount the 
three cannons, called the White men and told them that all those which 
are not contented could leave on board the Isabella next morning and 
that I would settle with them immediately and remain alone with the 
canecas, of 6 men 3 remained, and 3 of them I gave passage to Yerba- 
buena. 

The Indians was first troublesome, and came frequently, and would 
it not have been for the cannons, they would have killed us for sake of 
my property, which they Uke very much, and this intention they had 
very often, how they have confessed to me afterwards, when on good 
terms. I had a large Bull Dog, which saved my life 3 times, when they 
came slyly near the house in the night, he got hold of them and barked 
most severely. 

In a short time moved my camps on the very spot where now the 
ruins of Sutter's fort stands, made acquaintance with a few Indians 
which came to work for a short time making Adobes, and the Canacas 
was building 3 grass houses, like it is customary on the Sandwich Is- 
lands. Before I came here, I purchased Cattle and Horses on the Rancho 
of Senor Martinez, and had great difficulties and trouble to get them up, 
and received them at least on the 22nd. of October 1839. Not less than 
8 men wanted to be in the party, as they was afraid of the Indians, and 
had good reason to be so. 

Before I got the cattle, we was hunting Deer & Elk etc and so after- 
wards to safe the Cattle, as I had then only about 500 head, 50 horses 
and a mandana of 25 mares. One year that is in the fall of 1840, I 
bought 1000 head of Cattle of Don Antonio Sunol and a many horses 
more of Don Joaquin Gomez, and others. In the fall 1839 I have built 
an adobe house, covered with tule, and two other small buildings, which 
in the middle of the fort, they were afterwards destroyed by fire. At the 
same time we cut a road through the woods where the City of Sacra- 
mento stand, then we made the new Embarcadero, where the old Zink- 
house stands now. After this it was time to make a garden and to sow 
some Wheat &c we broke up the soil with poor Calif ornian plows, I had 



EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER'S DIARY 69 

a few Calif ornians employed as Baqueros, and 2 of them making Cal. 
Carts & stocking the plougs etc. 

In the spring 1840, the Indians began to be troublesome all around 
me, Killing and Wounding Cattle, stealing horses, and threatening to at- 
tack us en Mass, I was obliged to make campaigns against them and 
punished them severely, a little later about 2 a 300 was approaching and 
got United on Consumne River, but I was not waiting for them. Left a 
small Garrison at home, Canons & other Arms loaded, and left with 6 
brave men and 2 Boqueros in the night, and took them by surprise at 
Day light. The fighting was a little hard, but after having lost about 30 
men, they w^as willing to make a treaty with me, and after this lecon 
they behalved very well and became my best friends and Soldiers, with 
which I had been assisted to conquer the whole Sacramento and a part 
of the San Joaquin Valley. 

At that time the communication with the Bay was very long and dan- 
gerous, particularly in open Boats, it is a very great wonder that we got 
not Swamped a many times, all time with an Indian Crew and a Can- 
aca at the helm. Once it took me (in December 1839) 16 days to go 
down to Yerba buena and return, I went down again on the 22d Xber 
39, to Yerba buena and on account of the inclemency of the Weather 
and the strong current in the River I need a whole month (17 days com- 
ing up) and nearly all the provisions spoiled. 

On the 23d Augt. 1841, Capt. Ringold of Comadore Wilkes Explor- 
ing Squadron, arrived on the Embarcasero, piloted by one of the 
launches Indian crew, without this they would not have found so easy 
the entrance of the Sacramento. They had 6 whaleboats & i launch 7 
Officers and about 50 men in all, I was very glad indeed to see them, 
sent immediately saddled horses for the Officers, and my Clerk with an 
invitation to come and see me, at their arrival I fired a salute, and fur- 
nished them with what they needed. They was right surprised to find 
me up here in this Wilderness, it made a good impression upon the Indi- 
ans to see so many whites are coming to see me, they surveyed the river 
as far as the Butes. 

September 4th 1841. Arrived the Russian Govr Mr. Alexander Rotti- 
heff on board the Schooner Sacramento, and offered me their whole Es- 
tablishment at Bodega & Ross for sale, and invited me to come right 
with him, as there is a Russian Vessel at Bodega, and some Officers with 



70 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



plien power, to transact this business with me, and particularly they 
would give me the preference, as they became all acquainted with me, 
during a month's stay at Sitka. I left and went with him down to the 
Bay in company with Capt. Ringold's Expedition, what for a fleet, we 
thought then, is on the River. Arriving at Bodega, we came very soon 
to terms, from there we went to Fort Ross where they showed me every- 
thing and returned to Bodega again, and before the vessel sailed we 
dined on board the Helena, and closed the bargain for $30,000, which 
has been paid. And other property, was a separate account which had 
been first paid. 

On the 28th of September I dispatched a number of men and my 
Clerk by land to Bodega, to receive the Cattle, Horses, Mules & Sheep, 
to bring them up to Sutter's Fort, called then New Helvetia, by cross- 
ing the Sacramento they lost me from about 2000 head about a 100, 
which drowned in the river, but of most of them we could safe the 
hides, our Cal. Banknotes at the time. 

March 6th, 1842, Capt. Fremont arrived at the port with Kit Carson, 
told me he was an officer of the U. S. and left a party behind in Distress 
and on foot, the few surviving Mules was packed only with the most 
necessary, I received him politely and his company likewise as an old 
acquaintance. The next morning I furnished them with fresh horses & a 
Vaquero, with a pack loaded with necessary supplies for his men. Capt. 
Fremont found in my establishment every morning what he needed, that 
he could travell without Delay, he could not have found it so by a Span- 
iard, perhaps by a great Many and with loosing a great deal of time. 
I sold him about 60 Mules & about 25 horses, and fat young steers or 
Beef Cattle, all the Mules & horses got shoed, on the 23d March, all was 
ready and on the 24th he left with his party for the U. States. 

As an Officer of the Govt, it was my duty to report to the Govt, that 
Capt. Fremont arrived, Genl. Micheltorena dispatched Lieut. Col. Teles 
(afterwards Gov. of Sinalo) with Capt., Lieut. & 25 Dragoons to in- 
quire what Captain Fremont's business was here ; but he was enroute as 
the arrive only on the 27th, from this time on Exploring, Hunting and 
Trapping parties has been started, at the same time Agricultural and 
Mechanical business was progressing from year to year, and more no- 
tice has been taken, of my EstabHshment, it became even a fame, and 
some Early Distinguished Travvelers, like Doctor Sandells, Wasnesens- 



EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER'S DIARY 71 

ky & others, Captains of Trading Vessels and Supercargoes & even Cal- 
ifomians (after the Indians was .subdued) came and paid me a visit and 
was astonished to see what For Work of all kinds has been done. Small 
Emigrant parties arrived, and brought me some Very valuable Men, 
with one of those was Major Bidwell (he was about 4 years in my em- 
ploy). Major Redding and Major Hensley with 11 other brave men ar- 
rived alone, both of these gentlemen has been 2 years in my employ, 
with these parties excellent mechanics arrived, which all was employed 
by me, likewise good farmers. We made immediately Amer. ploughs 
was made in my Shops and all kind of work done, every year the 
Russians was bound to furnish me with good Iron and Steel and Files, 
articles which could not be got here, likewise Indian Beeds and the most 
important of all was 100 lb of fine Rifle & 100 lb of Canon powder, and 
several 100 lb of lead (every year) with these I was careful like with 
Gold. 

June 3d 1846. I left in company with Major Reading and most all of 
the men in my employ, for a Campaign with the Mukelemney Indians, 
which has been engaged by Castro and his officers to revolutionize all 
the Indians against me, to Kill all the foreigners, burn their houses. 
Wheat fields, etc. These Mukelemney Indians had great promesses and 
some of them was finely dressed and equiped, and those came apparently 
on a friendly visit to the fort and vicinity and had long Conversation 
with the Influential Men of the Indians, and one night a number of them 
entered in my Potrero (a kind of closed pasture) and was Ketching 
horses to drive the whole Cavalada away with them, the sentinel at the 
fort heard the distant Noise of these Horses, and gave due notice, & im- 
mediately I left with about 6 well armed Men and attacked them, but 
they could make their escape in the woods (where Sac. City now 
stands) and so I left a guard with the horses. As we had to cross the 
Mukelemney River on rafts, one of those rafts capsized with 10 Rifles, 
and six prs of pistols, a good supply of Ammunition, and the Clothing of 
about 24 Men, and Major Reading and another man nearly drowned. 

June 1 6th 1846. Merritt and Kit Carson arrived with news of Sonoma 
beeing occupied by the Americans, and the same evening arrived as pris- 
soners, Genl. Vallejo, Don Salvador Vallejo, Lt. Col. Prudon & M. 
Leese, and given under my charge and Care, I have treated them with 
kindness and so good as I could, which was reported to Fremont, and he 



72 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



then told me that prissoners ought not to be treated so, than I told him, 
if it is not right how I treat them, to give them in charge of somebody 
else. 

Capt. Montgomery did send an Amer. flag by Lieut. Revere than in 
command of Sonoma, and some dispatches to Fremont, I received the 
Order to hiss the flag by Sunrise from Lt. Revere, long time before 
daybreak, I got ready with loading^ the Cannons and when it was day 
the roaring of the Canons got the people all stirring. Some them made 
long faces, as they thought if the Bear flag would remain there would 
be a better chance to rob and plunder. Capt. Fremont received orders 
to proceed to Monterey with his forces, Capt. Montgomery provided for 
the upper Country, established Garrisons in all important places, Yerba 
buena, Sonoma, San Jose, and fort Sacramento. Lieut Missroon came 
to organize our Garrison better and more Numbers of White men and 
Indians of my former Soldiers, and gave me the Command of this fort. 
The Indians have not yet received their pay yet for their services, only 
each one a shirt and a pre. of pants, & abt. 12 men got Coats. So went 
the war on in California. Capt. Fremont was nearly all time engaged 
in the lower Country and made himself Governor, until Genl. Kearney 
arrived, when an other revolution took place. And Fremont for disobey- 
ing orders was made prisoner by Genl. Kearney, who took him after- 
wards with him to the U. States by Land across the Mountains. After 
the war I was anxious that business should go on like before, and on 
the 28th. May 1847, Marshall & Gingery, Two Millwrights, I employed 
to survey the large millraise for the Flour Mill at Brighton. 

May 13th, 1847. Ml*- Marshall commenced the great work of the 
large Millraise, with ploughs and scrapers. 

July 20th 1847. Got all the necessary timber and frame of the mill- 
building. 

Augt. 25th. Capt. Hart of the Mormon Battailon arrived, with a good 
many of his Men on their way to Great Salt Lake, they had orders for 
Govt, horses, which I delivered to them (war horses) not paid for yet. 
They bought provisions and got Blacksmith work done. I employed 
about 80 Men of them, some as Mechanics, some as laborers, on the Mill 
and Millraise at Brighton, some as laborers at the Sawmill at Columa. 

Augt. 28th 1847. Marshall moved, with P. Wisners family and the 
working hands to Columa, and began to work briskly on the sawmill. 



EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER'S DIARY 73 

Septr. loth. Mr. Saml. Brannan returned from the great Salt Lake, 
and announced a large Emigration by Land. On the 19th. the Garrison 
was removed, Lieut't Per Lee took her down to San Francisco. 

Novr. ith. Getting with a great deal of trouble and with breaking 
wagons the foiir runs of Millstones, to the Mill Sit (Brighton) from 
the Mountains. 

December 22. Received about 2000 fruit trees with great expenses 
from fort Ross, Napa Valley and other places, which was given in care 
of men who called themselves Gardeners, and nearly all of the trees was 
neglected by them and died. 

January 28th. 1848. Marshall arrived in the evening, it was raining 
very heavy, but he told me that he came on important business, after 
we was alone in a private Room he showed me the first specimens of 
Gold, that is he was not certain if it was Gold or not, but he thought it 
might be ; immediately I made the proof and found that it was Gold ; I 
told him even that most of all is 23 Carat Gold ; he wished that I should 
come up with him immediately, but I told him that I have to give first 
my orders to the people in all my factories and shops. 

February ith. Left for the sawmill attended by a Baquero (Olimpio), 
was absent 2nd, 3rd, 4th &: 5th. I examined myself every thing and 
picked up a few Specimens of Gold myself in the tail race of the Saw- 
mill, this Gold and others which Marshall and some of the other labor- 
ers gave to me (it was found while in my employ and wages), I told him 
that I would a ring got made of it as soon as a Goldsmith would be here. 
I had a talk with my employed people all at the Sawmill, I told them 
that as they do know now that this Metal is Gold, I wished they would 
do me the great favor and keep it secret only 6 weeks, because my large 
flour mill at Brighton would have been in Operation in such a time, 
which undertaking would have been a fortune for me, and unfortun- 
ately the people would not keep it secret, and so I lost on this Mill at the 
lowest calculation about $25,ocx). 

March 7th. The first party of Marmons, employed by me left for 
washing and digging gold, and very soon all followed, and left me only 
the sick and the lame behind. And at this time I could say that every- 
body left me from the Clerk to the Cook. What for great damages I had 
to suffer in my tannery which was just doing a profitable and extensive 
business, and the vatts was left filled and a quantity of half finished 



74 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



leather was spoiled, likewise a large quantity of raw hides collected 
by the farmers and of my own killing. The same thing was in every 
branch of business which I carried on at the time. I began to harvest 
my wheat, while others was digging and washing Gold, but even the In- 
dians could not be keeped longer at work, they was impatient to run to 
the mines, and other Indians had informed them of the Gold and its 
value; and so I had to leave more than two-thirds of my harvest in 
the fields. 

April 1 8, 1848, more curious people arrived, bound for the Moun- 
tains. I left for Columa, in company with Major P. B. Reading and Mr. 
Kenbel (Editor of the Alta- California) we were absent 4 days. We was 
prospecting and found silver and iron in abundance. 

April 28th. A great many people more went up to the Mountains. 
This day the Saw Mill was in operation and the first lumber has been 
sawed in the whole upper Country. 

May nth. Saml. Brannan was building a store at Natoma, Marmon 
Islands, and have done a very large and heavy business. 

May 15th. Paid of all the mormons which has been employed by me, 
in building these Mills and other mechanical trades, all of them made 
their pile, and some of them became rich and wealthy, but all of them 
was bound to the great Salt Lake, and spent there their fortunes to the 
honor and glory of the Lord ! 

May 19th. The great rush from San Francisco arrived at the fort, all 
my friends and acquaintances filled up the houses and the whole fort, I 
had only a little Indian boy, to make them roasted Ripps etc. as my 
Cooks left me like everybody else, the Merchants, Doctors, Lawyers, 
Sea Captains, all came up and did not know what to do, all was in con- 
fusion, all left their wives and families in San Francisco, and those 
which had none locked their doors, abandoned their houses, offered 
them for sale cheap, (a few hundred dollars, house and lot, lots which 
are worth now $100,000 and more) some of these men were just greaszy. 
Some of the Merchants has been the most prudentest of the Whole, vis- 
ited the mines, and returned immediately and began to do a very profit- 
able business, and soon Vessels came from everywhere with all kind of 
Merchandise, the whole old thrash which was laying for years unsold, 
on the coasts of South and Central America, Mexici, Sandwich Islands, 
etc. all found a good market here. 



EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER'S DIARY 75 

Mr. Brannan was erecting a very large Warehouse and have done an 
immense business, connected with Howard & Green, S. Francisco. 

May 2ith. Saml. Kyberg errected or established the first Hotel in the 
fort, in the larger building, and made a great deal of Money. A great 
many traders deposited a great deal of goods in my Store (an Indian 
was the Key Keeper and performed very well) afterwards every little 
Shanty became a Warehouse and Store, the fort was then a veritable 
Bazzar. As white people would not be employed at the Time, I had a 
few good Indians attending to the Ferry Boat, and every night came up, 
and deUvered the Received Ferryage to me, after deducting for a few 
bottles of brandy, for the whole of them, perhaps some white people at 
the time would not have acted as honestly. 

May 25th. The travelling to the mines was increasing from day to 
day and no more Notice was taken, as the people arrived from South 
America, Mexico, Sandwich Islands, Oregon, etq. All the Ships Crews, 
and Soldiers deserted. In the beginning of July, Col. Mason our military 
Governor, with Capt. Sherman (Secretary of State) Capt. Folsom 
Quartrmstr, and an Escort of which some deserted, and some other gen- 
tlemen, travelled in company with the Governor. 

As we wanted to celebrate the 4th of July, we invited the Governor 
and his suite to remain with us, and he accepted. Kyberg gave us a good 
diner, everything was pretty well arranged. Pinkett was the Orator. It 
was well done enough for such a new Country and in such an excite- 
ment and confusion. And from this time on you know how everything 
was going on here. One thing is certain that the people looked on my 
property as their own, and in the winter of 1849 to 1850. A great num- 
ber of Horses has been stolen from me, whole Manadas of Mares driven 
away and taken to Oregon, etc. Nearly my whole stock of cattle has 
been killed, several Thousand, and left me a very small Quantity. The 
same has been done with my large stock of Hogs, which was running 
like ever under nobodies care and so it was easy to steal them. I had 
no idea that people could be so Mean, and that they would do a whole- 
sale business in Stealing. 

On the Upper Sacramento, that is from the Buttes downward to the 
point or mouth of Feather River, there was most of all my stock run- 
ning, and during the Overflow the Cattle was in a many bands on high 
spots like Islands, there was a fine chance to approach them in small 



76 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Boats and shoot them, this business has been very successfully done by 
one party of 5 men (partners)) which had besides hired people, and 
Boat's Crews, which transported the Beef to the Market at Sacramento 
City and furnished that city with my own beef, and because these Men 
was nearly alone, on account of the Overflow, and Monopolized the 
Market. 

In the spring of 1850, these 5 men divided their spoil of $60,000 clear 
profits made of Cattle, all of them left for the Atlantic State ; one of 
them returned again the Winter from 1850 to 51, hired a new Band of 
Robers to follow the same business and kill of the balance of the few 
that was left. My Baqueros found out this Nest of thiefs in their camp 
butchering just some heads of my Cattle, on their return they informed 
me what they have seen, in the neighborhood of the same camp they 
saw some more cows shot dead, which the rascals then butchered. Ime- 
diately I did send to Nicolaus for the Sheriff (Jas Hopkins) as then at 
the time we had laws in force ? ! ? after all was stolen and destroyed 
the Sheriif arrived at Hock Farm, I furnished him a posse of my em- 
ployed Men. they proceeded over on the Sacramento to where the thiefs 
were encamped, as the Sheriff wanted to arrest them, they just jumped 
in their Boats and off they went ; the Sheriff threatened them to fire at 
them, but they was all laughing they went at large. 

One day my son was riding after Stock a few miles below Hock 
Farm, he found a man, (his name was Owens) butchering one of our 
finest milch Cows (of Durham stock of Chile, which cost $300). He 
told the man that he could not take the Meat, that he would go home 
and get people, and so he has done, and he got People and a Wagon and 
returned to the Spot, but Owens found it good to clear out. 2 Brothers 
of this man, was respectable Merchants in Lexington, Mo. and after- 
wards in Westport well acquainted with me, he came one day in my 
house and brought me their compliments, I received him well, and 
afterwards turned out to be a thief. How many of this kind came to 
California which loosed their little honor by crossing the Isthmus or the 
plains. I had nothing at all to do with speculation, but stuck by the 
plough, but by paying such high Wages, and particularly under Kyburg 
management, I have done this business with a heavy loss as the produce 
had no more the Value like before, and from the time on Kyburg left 
I curtailed my business considerable, and so far that I do all at present 



EXTRACTS FROM GENERAL JOHN A. SUTTER'S DIARY j-j 

with my family and a few Indian Servants. I did not speculate, only oc- 
cupied my land, in the hope that would be before long decided and in 
my favor by the U. S. Land Commission ; but now already have 2 years 
and 3 months elapsed, and I am waiting now very anxiously for the de- 
cision, which will revive or bring me to the untimely grave. 

All the other circumstances you know all yourself, perhaps I have re- 
peated many things which I wrote in the first 3 sheets, because I had 
them not to see what I wrote, and as it is now several months, I must 
have forgotten. Well, it is only a kind of memorandum, and not a His- 
tory at all, only to remember you on the different periods when such 
and such things happened. 

I need not mention again, that all the visitors has always been hospit- 
ably received and treated. That all the sick and wounded found always 
Medical assistance. Gratis, as I had nearly all the time a physician in my 
employ. The assistance to the Emigrants, that is all well known. I don't 
need to write anything about this. 

I think now from all this you can form some facts, and that you can 
mention how thousands and thousands made their fortunes from this 
Gold Discovery produced through my industry and energy, (some wise 
Merchants and others in San Francisco called the building of this Saw- 
mill another of Sutter's folly) and this folly saved not only the Mercan- 
tile world from bankruptcy, but even our Genl. Govt., but for me it has 
turned out a folly, then without having discovered the Gold, I would 
have become the richest wealthiest man on the Pacific Shore. 

(Signed) J. A. Sutter. 

James C. Ward, who visited General Sutter in 1848, says of him: 

'*A Swiss by birth, he held during the reign of Charles X. the rank 
of Captain in the French Army. He purchased the buildings at Fort 
Ross, just north of Bodega, of the Russians, and as he proposed to set- 
tle the wilderness to the north of the Bay of San Francisco with Euro- 
pean immigrants, the Mexican Government made him a grant of eleven 
leagues of land on the Sacramento River. After landing, he camped, 
surrounded by hostile savages, in the open plain where the fort was af- 
terward built, and the next morning, after dressing in full uniform, he 
went, accompanied by his Indian servant, both well armed, to the Indian 



yS HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

village near by. The savages were informed through an interpreter that 
he came to them as a friend, and if he would help them a little with 
their labor, he would make them presents. 

"The Indians were set to work to make adobes, of which the fort was 
built. It is a parallelogram in form, with two bastions. In the middle of 
the square is a building two stories high, containing four rooms, and a 
counting-room upstairs. A blacksmith shop, mill for grinding corn, 
serape manufactory and dwelling are around it, built against the walls 
of the fort. At one time he had a well-drilled force of thirty Indians 
within its walls, with guards posted night and day for its defense. No 
one reached it without being fed and lodged. 

"I passed the evening of my arrival, after supper, in his company. His 
manners are polished, and the impression he makes on every one is very 
favorable. In figure he is of medium height, rather stout, but well made. 
His head is round, features regular, with smiUng and agreeable expres- 
sion ; complexion healthy and roseate. He wears his hair cut close, and 
his moustache trimmed short, a la militaire. He dressed very neatly in 
frock coat, pantaloons and cap of blue, and with his gold-headed malac- 
ca in hand, you would rather suppose him prepared for a saunter on the 
Boulevards than a consultation with Simplon, his Indian alcalde, about 
hands required for the day's work, or ox teams to be dispatched here 
and there." 



CHAPTER VII 

SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY 

Contra Costa County became a definite locality in 1850, created by 
the California legislature that opened its initial session at San Jose on 
December 15, 1849. At that time twenty-seven counties were estab- 
lished. In later years, by subdivision, they were increased to fifty-eight. 

General M. G. Vallejo, who was probably better informed on early 
California history than any other man of his period, in a report to the 
legislature on the derivation of the names of the several counties, paid 
this tribute to Contra Costa County: "The name signifies 'Opposite 
Coast,' and the country is so called from its situation opposite San 
Francisco, in an easterly direction. It is undoubtedly one of the most 
fertile counties in the State, possessing rich agricultural lands, which 
embrace an interior coast of thirty leagues, extending along the bays of 
Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Pablo, the Straits of Carquinez, the 
Bay of Suisun, and the San Joaquin River; a circumstance which, 
united to its mild climate, will render it very important. 

"The pueblo of Martinez is its chief town, and the 'New York of the 
Pacific,' as well as other towns on the shores of San Pablo and the San 
Joaquin, will soon effectually contribute to its importance." So spake 
General Vallejo half a century ago. 

When the treaty of peace was signed with Mexico in 1848 there was 
but one American citizen living permanently in the region that we now 
know as Contra Costa County, This solitary representative of the 
United States was Doctor John Marsh. He lived at the base of Mount 
Diablo, and later came into considerable prominence. Flam Brown, the 
founder of Lafayette, was also among the early illustrious citizens" of 
Contra Costa County. He was a member of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion which met at Monterey in September, 1849. The constitution was 
completed after six weeks of deliberation and was adopted by the peo- 
ple at an election on the 13th of the following November. 

Another citizen mentioned in the chronicles of the times was Captain 



8o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Seth M. Swain, of Martinez. To him belonged the distinction of carry- 
ing the first mail up the Sacramento River, in the schooner "John 
Dunlap." All the mail was in one bag, and Captain Swain received six 
hundred dollars for the voyage, although the total amount of postage 
on the mail amounted to less than sixty dollars. 

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY 

Contra Costa County originally comprised 1500 square miles of terri- 
tory, but in 1853 it was reduced nearly one-half, the portion which 
Contra Costa County lost helping to form the newly created Alameda 
County. The ceded territory constituted the southern and western half 
of Contra Costa County. After this change she retained, as at present, 
877 square miles. 

The act to form Alameda County was passed by the legislature in 
session at Benicia. The county of Santa Clara was represented in the 
assembly by Henry C. Smith and W. S. Letcher. Contra Costa County 
was represented by H. W. Carpentier. Then, as now, San Jose was the 
county seat of Santa Clara County, and Martinez occupied a similar 
position in Contra Costa County. The desire for a new county arose 
out of the fact that the inhabitants of Santa Clara County residing 
near where Oakland is today were compelled to cross a range of moun- 
tains to reach their county seat, San Jose, thirty miles away. A petition, 
signed by citizens of both counties, asking that a new county be 
formed, was presented to the legislature by H. C. Smith. It was in re- 
sponse to this petition that the legislative act of 1853 was passed which 
made Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties the parents of Alameda. 

Commenting on this topic in a "Centennial Paper," published in the 
Contra Costa Gazette in 1876, Doctor J. R. Howard wrote: 

"By the creation of Alameda County we lost more than half of our 
shore-line on the San Francisco Bay, and a valuable territory of land, 
with not less than three prosperous and handsome trade centers now 
clustering and growing on the opposite coast. 

"Still, Contra Costa County has a most enviable natural position on 
the map of the State, with advantages possessed by few other counties. 

"It is now bounded by the San Joaquin River, Suisun Bay, Straits of 
Carquinez, and San Pablo Bay on the north; by San Francisco Bay 
and Alameda County on the west; by Alameda County on the south. 



SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY 8l 

and San Joaquin County on the east. The map shows our geographical 
position to be about midway of the coast-Une of the State, immediately 
in front and contiguous to the great heart of the State, with a shore- 
line of seventy miles or more on our northern border, along the mag- 
nificently linked system of bays, strait, and main rivers of the interior." 

A comparison of the original boundary with the present boundary, as 
taken from the records, will make apparent to the reader the amount of 
territory lost by Contra Costa County. At the risk of being tedious, both 
are here given in full. 

The original boundary as established by the legislature in 1849, was 
as follows : "Beginning at the mouth of Alameda Creek and running 
thence in a southwesterly direction to the middle of the Bay of San 
Francisco ; thence in a northerly or northwesterly direction, following 
as near as may be the middle of the bay to the Straits of San Pablo ; 
thence up the middle of the Bay of San Pablo to the Straits of Car- 
quinez ; thence running up the middle of said straits to the Suisun Bay, 
and up the middle of said bay to the mouth of the San Joaquin River ; 
thence following up the middle of said river to the place known as Pes- 
cadero, or Lower Crossing ; thence in a direct line to the northwest cor- 
ner of Santa Clara County, which is on the summit of the Coast Range, 
near the source of Alameda Creek; thence down the middle of said 
creek to its mouth, which was the place of beginning, including the 
islands of San Pablo, Coreacas, and Tesoro.^ The seat of justice shall 
be at the town of Martinez." 

The present boundary, as established by the legislature on March 
25, 1853, when Alameda County was formed from the southern part of 
Contra Costa County and a slice of Santa Clara County, is as follows : 
"Beginning in the Bay of San Francisco, at the northwest point of Red 
Rock, being the common corner of Marin, Contra Costa, and San 
Francisco [counties] ; thence up the Straits and Bay of San Pablo, on 
the eastern boundary of Marin, to the point of intersection with the 
line bearing south twenty-six and one-half degrees east, and about six 
and one-quarter miles distant from the southwest corner of Napa 
County, forming the common corner of Marin, Solano, Sonoma, and 
Contra Costa [counties] ; thence to the Straits of Carquinez; thence up 



1 Tesoro is a Spanish word meaning treasure. 



82 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

said straits and Suisun Bay, to the mouth of the San Joaquin River; 
thence up said river to the confluence of the west and main channels 
thereof, as laid down in Gibbe's map ; thence up said west channel to 
a point about ten miles below Moore and Rhode's ranch, at a bend 
where the said west channel, running downward, takes a general 
course north, the point being on the westerly line of San Joaquin 
County, and forming the northeast corner of Alameda and southeast 
corner of Contra Costa [counties] ; thence on the northern line of Ala- 
meda, as laid down on Horace A. Higley's map, to the easterly line of 
San Francisco City and County ; thence due northwest along said east- 
erly line of San Francisco, four and one-half miles, more or less, to 
the place of beginning, the county seat, Martinez." 

SENATORIAL DISTRICTS 

In the first division of the State into counties Contra Costa County 
elected a State senator jointly with Santa Clara County; and this 
method of procedure remained in force until 1854, when it elected a 
joint senator with San Joaquin County. A change was again made in 
1862, whereby one senator served Contra Costa and Marin counties, 
which situation still remains in effect. 

JUDICIAL DISTRICTS 

When California was divided into judicial districts, on March 29, 
1850, John M. Watson became judge of the Third District, which com- 
prised the counties of Contra Costa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Mon- 
terey. In 1853 Contra Costa was attached to the Seventh Judicial Dis- 
trict, which included Solano, Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties. 
Change followed change, and in March, 1862, the county was placed 
in the Fourth Judicial District, being in the following year annexed to 
the Third District. It became a part of the Fifteenth District in 1864, 
and remained so until the adoption of the new constitution, establishing 
the various superior courts. 

THE COURT OF SESSIONS 

In the early days of Contra Costa County all the county business was 
transacted by the Court of Sessions. These courts were authorized by 



SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY 83 

the legislative act of April 11, 1850. The court comprised the county 
judge, who presided at the sessions, assisted by two justices of the 
peace. The latter, who sat as associate justices, were chosen by their 
brother justices from the entire number elected in the county. All the 
intricate civil rriachinery of the county was administered by this court, 
and, according to reports of the period, it succeeded admirably. The 
numerous duties of the court included the examination and settling of 
all accounts charged against the county ; the auditing of the books of all 
officers who handled county funds ; the directing and raising of funds 
through taxation on real and personal property; the management of 
public roads, turnpikes, canals, and bridges; and the division of the 
county into townships and the establishment of election precincts. The 
preceding list, which covers only a few of the most important duties 
of the court, would indicate that the positions held by these officials 
were no sinecures. 

The first county judge of Contra Costa County after its creation was 
F. M. Warmcastle, who took office on April 17, 1850. The associate 
justices were Absolom Peak and Edward G. Guest. Thomas A. Brown, 
a son of Elam Brown, was county clerk. The first sheriflf of Contra 
Costa County was Nathaniel Jones. 

One of the first acts performed by the Court of Sessions, on April 
17, 1850, was the partitioning of the county into three townships, com- 
prising Martinez, San Antonio, and New York (now Pittsburg). A 
further peep into the records of the period reveals the fact that on May 
13, 1850, the court convened and ordered that all real and personal 
property of the county be assessed, and fixed the amount of tax thereon 
for county expenses at twenty-five cents on the hundred dollars. A like 
sum for the construction of public buildings was ordered collected. The 
county clerk was directed to secure a suitable building for temporary 
use as a courthouse. On June 3, 1850, the county clerk was directed to 
receive sealed bids for the erection of a county jail. 

On August 19th of the same year the court fixed the license to be 
collected on certain occupations. To vend goods, wares, and merchan- 
dise, with a capital of five thousand dollars or less, a license of twenty 
dollars per annum was collected. The vender of spirituous, vinous, 
malt, and fermented liquors had first to pay a license of fifty dollars 
per annum. 



84 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

On the same date a license was granted to Oliver C. Coffin (ominous 
name!) to establish a ferry between Martinez and Benicia, after he 
had filed a bond in the amount of two thousand dollars. The court per^ 
mitted him to charge the following fares : For each foot man, $i ; man 
and horse, $2.50 ; single horse, mule or ox, $2 ; wagon, $5 ; carriage, $4 ; 
each head of sheep or hogs, 50 cents. 

In early times the roads of Contra Costa County were few and far 
between. Here and, there they wound about over the country, following 
the Hnes of least resistance, in many instances only enlarged trails. 
Naturally, one of the first acts performed by the Court of Sessions was 
the establishment of road districts and the creation of new highways. 
This step was taken on July 20, 1850, when seven road districts were 
established. Two districts were defined between Martinez and Pueblo 
de San Jose, the overseers appointed being N. B. Smith and Joseph 
Rothenhostler. The streets of Martinez comprised district three, and 
A. Van Heme Ellis was placed in charge of them, as supervisor. Dis- 
trict four was the road traveled from Martinez, by way of the home of 
Silvio Pacheco, to New York of the Pacific (now Pittsburg). Henry F. 
Joye was appointed overseer. The road from the Moraga Redwoods to 
its intersection with the Martinez and San Jose highway was designated 
as district five, its overseer being E. Miller. Elam Brown was appointed 
overseer of district six, the road that connected his rancho with that of 
Vicente Castro, and which intersected the road from the Moraga Red- 
woods to Martinez. District seven extended from the crossing of the 
San Joaquin River to the Pueblo de San Jose, and was placed in charge 
of Greene Patterson. At the same meeting of the court an order was 
established requiring all able-bodied men between the ages of eighteen 
and forty-five to perform their share of road work during five days of 
each year. 

From this time forward rapid strides were made in the building and 
improvement of roads. On July 15, 1852, orders were issued for the 
laying out of the road between Oakland and San Pablo. By i860 there 
were seventeen road districts within the county limits. Today no better 
roads are found elsewhere in the State of California than in Contra 
Costa, for which condition the citizens of the present age are vastly in- 
debted to the zeal of the pioneer road-builders. The modern phases of 
Contra Costa roads will be discussed in another chapter. 



SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY 85 

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS 

The first Board of Supervisors for Contra Costa County was elected 
June 14, 1852, comprising the following five members: William Patten, 
Samuel H. Robinson, Victor Castro, Robert Farrelly, and T. J. Keefer. 
Upon the board devolved all the duties of administering county affairs, 
previously performed by the Court of Sessions. 

A glance at the assessment report made by Supervisor Samuel H. 
Robinson, on July 23, 1852, throws considerable Ught on the large land- 
holdings of the period, these being whole or in part of the old Mexican 
land grants. The largest individual holdings were those of W. Castro, 
who was assessed $82,704 on 27,568 acres, at the rate of three dollars 
an acre. Silyio Pacheco paid taxes on an assessment of $141,696, cover- 
ing his rancho of 17,712 acres, at eight dollars an acre. The land hold- 
ings of Doctor John Marsh, which also comprised 17,712 acres, was 
assessed at one dollar an acre. The farm of Jose Jesus Vallejo, which 
covered 19,926 acres, was assessed at $99,630. These are but a few of 
the largest holdings. The assessment-roll shows scores of others rang- 
ing from one thousand to ten thousand acres. 

The Board of Supervisors continued in existence until replaced by 
the Court of Sessions, on March 25, 1854. Following an act of the legis- 
lature, passed March 20, 1855, the Board of Supervisors again came 
into being, and since then has remained permanent in county affairs. 

Passing on to the year 1856, it is found that on the 17th of November 
the Union Hotel, of Martinez, was destroyed by fire, and with it most 
of the records of the county treasurer, Robert E. Borden, who was also 
proprietor of the hotel. He made a report to the Board of Supervisors, 
showing that a thousand dollars was saved, but that nineteen hundred 
dollars was lost. Concurring in the belief that the loss was unavoidable, 
the board succeeded in having Borden relieved of the obligation of mak- 
ing good the loss. 

An act of unusual magnanimity on the part of a county official was 
recorded on the 5th of February, 1861. On that date Judge Thomas A. 
Brown released the county from paying him six thousand dollars, this 
sum being a portion of his salary for four years as county judge. The 
salary provided by law was twenty-five hundred dollars a year, but 
Judge Brown declared in favor of a salary of one thousand dollars a 



86 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

year, which sum he drew, and at the end of his term refunded to the 
county the accrued six thousand dollars. 

No unusual events are recorded during the intervening years until 
June 20, 1868, when an election was held, submitting to a vote of the 
people the proposition for the county to make a donation to the Mar- 
tinez & Danville Railroad Company. This was to aid in the construction 
of a railroad from Martinez to Danville. The proposition was defeated 
by a vote of 391 in favor to 522 against. 

Further records for the year 1868 show that the courthouse sus- 
tained grave damages from the great earthquake of October 21st, and 
that the District Court was compelled to meet in the carpenter shop of 
E. W. Hiller, the former office being considered insecure. On October 
23d extensive repairs were begun on the courthouse. The record for 
1868 ends with the authorization of R. B. Hard to build a calaboose at 
Antioch. For the benefit of the uninitiated, it is here explained that the 
word calaboose is derived from the Spanish phrase el calahozo (the 
jail). The granting of permission to build calabooses forms no small 
part of the records of those days. 

That coyotes were still numerous in 1876 is evidenced by the action 
of the Board of Supervisors, on February 9th of that year, in offering 
a bounty on the scalps and ears of these canny pests. 

The trend of the times is eloquently set forth in the brief record of 
the vote on Chinese immigration, at the election of September 7, 1879. 
For Chinese immigration 16 votes ; against Chinese immigration, 2039 
votes ; majority against Chinese immigration, 2023 votes. Such was the 
laconic but decisive verdict. 

Early in 1880 a number of franchises for the erection of wharves 
were granted to Port Costa, a hamlet then fast coming into prominence 
as a shipping point and also because it was there that the steamer 
"Solano" landed its western-bound trains from the Atlantic. The rec- 
ords of that year show also that the Northern Railroad Company had 
over twenty-three miles of railroad in the county, while the San Pablo 
& Tulare Railroad Company had more than thirty- four. The former 
was valued at $13,060 a mile, and the latter at $11,200. An official seal 
for the Board of Supervisors was ordered on July 7, 1880. The design 
chosen was a sheaf of grain, a horn of plenty, with grapes and melons, 



SETTLEMENT AND EARLY HISTORY 87 

all surrounded by the words, "Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa 
County, California." 

During 1880 the public debt of the county, amounting to $94,100, was 
funded, and bonds bearing interest at six per cent and payable semi- 
annually, were' directed to be issued on August 4th. One month later 
another debt of $38,000 was ordered funded by the issuance of bonds 
bearing interest at the above rate. 

Contra Costa County was rapidly emerging from pioneer conditions. 
Small but thriving towns were springing up all along her water-front; 
shipping was receiving a great impetus from her numerous products, 
including millions of bushels of grain, which were marketed all over the 
world; orchards and vegetable gardens were thriving in her fertile 
valleys; roads and schools were rapidly improved and railroad com- 
munication was steadily increasing. 

Turning from the pioneer days, the commercial growth of the county 
and its cities will be taken up in the succeeding chapters. 



CHAPTER VIII 

CLIMATE— SOIL— HORTICULTURE— AGRICULTURE 

The climate of Contra Costa County is ideal ; it is the golden mean be- 
tween the extremes of heat and cold. Sheltered on the western border 
by a wall of hills, this district knows no cold winds or heavy fogs. No 
matter how raw and cold the winds may blow through the Golden Gate, 
they do not reach past this barrier. Even during the winter months 
there is an abundance of sunshine between showers, and the climate 
may be said to be balmy the year around. The annual rainfall is twelve 
to eighteen inches, or enough to insure good crops without irrigation. 
However, of late years it has been possible to secure much larger re- 
turns by augmenting nature, and large irrigation projects have sprung 
up. These will be treated under another heading. 

In the present chapter we will take up the products of the soil under 
three classifications — horticultural, agricultural, and viticultural. Hor- 
ticultural embraces the various fruit- and nut-bearing trees, agricultural 
applies to the general field of farming, and the term viticultural is con- 
fined solely to the raising of grapes. 

Contra Costa County's principal horticultural products are pears, 
walnuts, almonds, prunes, peaches, apricots, cherries, apples, and olives. 
Pears form one of the most remunerative crops in the county. Former- 
ly it was difficult to combat the numerous insects that preyed upon this 
fruit, but through the aid of the State experimental institutions it has 
been found possible to eliminate the pests by spraying the trees, at a 
cost of about twenty dollars an acre. Pears do best on heavy, loamy 
soil, and Bartlett pears are preferred by the cannery men. First-class 
pear land can be bought at from $200 to $400 an acre. Approximately 
ten years is required for pears to mature, but after that they will bring 
in, under average conditions, about $300 to the acre in gross returns, or 
about $150 profit. The best results are obtained by grafting on to quince 
roots. But as Bartletts do not join well with the quince, the difficulty 



CLIMATE— SOIL— HORTICULTURE— AGRICULTURE 89 

has to be overcome by a clever system of intermediate grafting. The 
Duchess or Hardy pear is first grafted to the quince, and the Bartlett 
will then unite with either of these. 

Thanks to the best of transportation facilities, the raising of prunes 
is now a very profitable industry. Ten years ago the local prune market 
was undeveloped, and prunes were considered a risky crop. Today the 
grower averages four cents a pound, which will bring in from $200 to 
$400 to the acre, one half of which will be profit. No better prunes are 
raised elsewhere in the State than in Contra Costa County. The fruit is 
of a large size, and the conditions for drying are ideal, there being no 
heavy fogs to wet or mold the drying products. The French prune is the 
most satisfactory, as it ripens earliest. 

The western end of the county is the home of the peach and apricot. 
Here the individual growers have set out orchards of various sizes, and 
the large canning companies have planted vast .tracts. Both fruits are 
raised at a handsome profit. 

The eastern section of the county is best adapted to almond-raising. 
Nor is there any Ukelihood at present of this field being overcrowded. 
The supply does not keep pace with the demand, and it is necessary to 
import large quantities of almonds every year. Almonds should be 
planted in light sandy loam, and different varieties should be set out, as 
cross-pollination is an important factor in successful almond-growing. 

Who has not longed to visit Japan in cherry-blossom time ? Perhaps 
the nearest approach to realizing that desire is to be in Contra Costa 
County during the same period. Cherries are the tenderest of trees and 
demand the best care, including tillage, drainage, and the highest qual- 
ity of soil. They will reward the painstaking horticulturist with big re- 
turns — sometimes as high as twenty dollars' worth of fruit from a single 
tree. The Royal Ann and the Bing are best adapted to Contra Costa 
County. 

During late years olives have been very successfully grown in this re- 
gion. Once it was the general opinion that oUves would do well on poor 
soil, but this has been found to be a fallacy. Those who get the best re- 
sults are careful to select the right kind of land and give the trees plen- 
ty of attention. 

The walnuts of Contra Costa County vie with those of any other sec- 
tion of the State. Although a fairly recent industry, walnut-growing 



90 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



bids fair to become a very important factor in the horticultural activi- 
ties of the county. 

Contra Costa County possesses some wonderfully fertile farming 
lands, especially those which He along the deltas of the Sacramento and 
San Joaquin rivers. Here the prize potatoes are grown by the hundreds 
of thousands of sacks. A large trade has been built up with the Eastern 
and Central States, which receive potatoes from this section by the 
trainload. 

The small islands lying adjacent to the mainland are phenomenally 
rich in soil, and the finest vegetables are raised thereon. Contra Costa 
County is famed for its celery, the white variety, which thrives on the 
delta lands ; Hkewise its asparagus, which is grown by the hundreds of 
acres. The green corn from this region is the first to reach the San 
Francisco market. One might continue the list endlessly, for every kind 
of garden truck is at home in Contra Costa. 

A large amount of alfalfa is grown in the eastern part of the county, 
and each year shows an increase over the acreage of the previous year. 
Alfalfa requires an abundance of water and good soil, both of which 
are to be had in this region. Plenty of good alfalfa land can still be 
bought at reasonable prices. Alfalfa is one of the most profitable of ag- 
ricultural products, as from three to five crops can be mowed yearly, 
and it has a number of by-products that also bring good returns. It is an 
ideal stock food, and manifests itself in a great improvement in the ap- 
pearance of the live-stock wherever it is grown. 

Wheat, barley, and oats comprise the grain products of the county. 
The average yield is about twelve centals to the acre, but among the 
islands of the deltas, where the heaviest crops are garnered, the reward 
is sometimes as high as twenty-five centals. Contra Costa County has 
completed a cycle in grain-raising. Fifty or sixty years ago enormous 
crops of grain were raised. Local seaports were famous for their ship- 
ments of grain, which was carried to the ends of the earth by vessels 
from all nations. 

The one difficulty was that the farmers at that time neglected to 
put back into the soil the valuable elements which they removed, and in 
time their lands yielded no more than half a crop. But the modern 
farmer, who must be a scientific farmer if he would succeed, has re- 
paired the omissions of his predecessors. He has given back to the 



CLIMATE— SOIL— HORTICULTURE— AGRICULTURE 91 

grain-lands the nitrates and fertilizers they require, and the grain yield 
is again well to the front. The cycle has been completed. 

The vineyards of Contra Costa County have become famous the 
world over. The soil and climatic conditions are peculiarly favorable to 
the successful growing of dry-wine grapes, out of which has emerged 
a great industry. Vineyards have quadrupled in twenty years, the acre- 
age increasing from 1500 to over 6000. Wineries have grown from fif- 
teen to fifty in the same length of time. The well-known Italian-Swiss 
Colony, where a vast amount of California champagne is made, owns 
1200 acres of grape land in the county. The success of this industry is 
largely due to the expert knowledge that has been brought to bear upon 
it. The choicest cuttings obtainable have been brought from all over the 
world — from Europe, Asia Minor, Persia, and Egypt — and care has 
been taken to transplant them in the right kind of soil. The importance 
of the vine in Contra Costa is evidenced by the fact that the largest 
wine-cellar in the world is situated at Winehaven, near Richmond. 

In concluding this chapter, a word of gratuitous warning is extended 
to the neophyte farmer whose enthusiasm outruns his judgment. No one 
should undertake to make his livelihood out of the soil, "in the sweat of 
his brow," without first giving the matter careful thought. He should 
consult some of the men who have succeeded and find out how they did 
it. He should ascertain whether soil and climate are adapted to the 
things he intends to raise. Also, he should not begin on a scale beyond 
the limits of his capital. Successful farming is a science, and he who 
follows it as such will succeed, while he who does not is doomed to cer- 
tain failure. 



CHAPTER IX 

MINES AND MINERALS 

In 1863 a great excitement was created by the discovery of copper in 
the county, and one really worthy of the "good times" in mining dis- 
tricts. All at once, nobody could tell why, a grand copper excitement 
arose, which permeated the whole community. It was reported by vari- 
ous parties that the mountains were full of the ores of copper of untold, 
because of unknown, richness. Simultaneously with this grand discov- 
ery every unemployed man turned prospector. Blankets and bacon, 
beans and hard bread rose to a premium, and the hills were lighted up 
at night with hundreds of camp-fires. Hammers and picks were in great 
demand, and there is ocular evidence even to this day that not a boulder 
or projecting rock escaped the notice of the prospectors. It was a ques- 
tion of probabilities that were bound soon to harden into certainties. In- 
deed, it was only a short time before copper prospects were possessed 
of a definite value. Claims were opened, companies formed, and stock 
issued on the most liberal scale. Everything wore the couleur de rose. 
As usual upon similar occasions, there was great strife about claims. 
Some were "jumped" on the ground of some informality twice in twen- 
ty-four hours. Heavy prices were paid for "choice" ground, and it is 
quite safe to say that old Mount Diablo's sides and summit have never 
since borne such an enormous valuation. It seemed as though the whole 
community had been bitten by the mining tarantula. The excitement 
lasted for several weeks, growing fiercer from day to day. Scores of 
men, laden with specimens, thronged the hotels and saloons, and noth- 
ing was talked of but "big strikes" and "astounding developments." 

Clayton was the center of these mining operations, and town lots were 
sold at high prices. The ruling price for shares in the Pioneer was $4 ; 
in the Eureka, $3.50 and up. Hundreds of companies were formed, and 
each had hosts of advocates. Shafts were sunk and some ore obtained, 
and, according to one assay, "there was $48.33 in gold and $243 in sil- 
ver to the ton" ! The first shipment of ore to San Francisco was in Sep- 



MINES AND MINERALS 93 

tember, 1863, of one ton, from the Pioneer claim. Smelting works were 
erected at Antioch, and the following prices offered: For copper of 
eight-per-cent quality, $15 per ton; for twelve-per-cent quality, $25 per 
ton. 

Men of experience and practical skill partook of the illusion. All at 
once the bubble burst. The millionaires of the day left their rude camps 
in the mountains, and, with ragged breeches and boots out at the toes, 
subsided at once into despondency and less exciting employment. The 
hotel- and saloon-keepers, to say nothing of the editors, proceeded to 
disencumber their premises of accumulated tons of specimens of all 
kinds of "shiny rocks" to be found within an area of thirty miles square, 
making quite a contribution to the paving material of the streets. 

Silver mines were staked out and partially worked in i860. The first 
discovery of silver was made by L. H. Hastings, and was taken from 
the east side of the mountain. 

Paint deposits were discovered in 1862 by Doctor Hough, of Mar- 
tinez, on the banks of the El Hambre Creek. Specimens showed a large 
number of distinct tints, or colors. 

Petroleum wells were sunk near Antioch in 1865, and much land cov- 
ered with claims. In 1868 oil was also found on the ranch of Dr. Car- 
others, about three miles from San Pablo, and not less than $25,(X)0 
was spent in experiments, fixtures, oil-tanks, retorts, distilleries, etc., 
but from all these discoveries oil in paying quantities has never been 
obtained. 

Salt was found at a spring near the Marsh ranch, and a company was 
formed to conduct its operation, but we do not learn that any success 
followed. 

Lime quarries were opened, and in 1862 large quantities of lime were 
manufactured in the neighborhood of Pacheco from stone found about 
six miles from Mount Diablo. These quarries, opened in 1850, were the 
first discovered in the State, and were very profitable. 

CEMENT 

The cement industry of California is showing a rapid increase. The 
works of the Cowell Cement Company, one of the greatest plants in the 
world, are located in Contra Costa County, between Concord and Clay- 
ton. Several hundred men are constantly employed at these works, the 



94 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

average annual pay-roll amounting to upward of a quarter of a mil- 
lion dollars. 

A railroad was built by the company for the purpose of connecting 
its great works with the outside world. The road is a standard-gauge 
line and connects with the Southern Pacific, the Santa Fe, and the Oak- 
land, Antioch & Eastern lines at Bay Point, serving the needs of the rich 
and fertile Clayton Valley. 

COAL 

In 1859, at Horse Haven Valley, six miles south of Antioch, William 
C. Israel, in cleaning out a spring on his land, discovered a vein of coal. 
In connection with his father and brother George, he opened the vein 
for a short distance ; but not having capital to work it, they disposed of 
their interest to James T. Watkins, and one Noyes, who, either from 
want of knowledge or resources, failed to open the vein so as to make 
its operation successful. They abandoned the mine in 1861. 

On December 22, 1859, at a distance of three and a half miles west of 
Horse Haven Valley, Francis Somers and James T. Cruikshank dis- 
covered the vein of coal which since became known as the Black Dia- 
mond vein. Somers and Cruikshank and their associates, W. S. Hawx- 
hurst and Samuel Adams, located the lands afterward known as the 
Manhattan and Eureka coal mines. George Hawxhurst and George H. 
P. and William Henderson, in company with Francis Somers, opened 
the outcropping of the same vein, where were afterward developed the 
Black Diamond and Cumberland mines ; but, believing that the expense 
of making roads was beyond their means, they made no attempt to se- 
cure title. The Black Diamond Mine was subsequently located by Noah 
Norton, and the Cumberland mine went into the hands of Francis Such 
and others. These coal lands, with others adjoining, became noted as the 
Black Diamond Coal Mines. 

Frank Such disposed of his interest in the Cumberland Mine to C. T. 
Cutter, Asher Tyler, Josiah Sturgis, and L. C. Wittenmeyer, all of Mar- 
tinez. It was from their efforts and capital that the Cumberland Mine 
was successfully opened and worked, and roads were constructed from 
it to Clayton and New York Landing (now Pittsburg). They also as- 
sisted Noah Norton to open the Black Diamond Mine. 

The Pittsburg Mine, east of the Eureka, was located by George H. P. 



0^ «^' 



l 




'TlZ{y7€<j^y^y^^^'-^ 



MINES AND MINERALS 95 

Henderson, who entered into a contract with Ezra Clark to open the 
mine, in the developing of which the vein of coal known as the Clark 
vein was discovered. 

The Central Coal Mine, east of Pittsburg, was located by John E. 
Wright. The year following William B. Stewart became connected with 
it. The Union Mine, north of the Manhattan, was located by George 
Hawxhurst. The Independence Mine, north of the Eureka, was pur- 
chased from Major Richard Charnoch, by Greenhood & Neubauer. The 
Manhattan Union, Eureka, and Independent comprise the mines form- 
ing the basin in which the town of Somersville was situated, and from 
which there was a railroad for the transportation of coal to Pittsburg 
Landing on the San Joaquin River. The Cumberland, Black Diamond, 
Mount Hope, and other lands comprised the basin of the town of Nor- 
tonville. From there ran a railroad for the transportation of coal to 
New York Landing, at the head of Suisun Bay., From the mines enu- 
merated there were about two hundred thousand tons of coal per an- 
num shipped. What is known as the old Central Mine, originally located 
by William B. Stewart, was operated by Shattuck & Hillegas, of Oak- 
land, and was later sold to the Empire Coal Mine & Railroad Company, 
and was operated by that corporation in conjunction with the Empire 
Mine. 

The Empire Company opened in 1876. It has a magnificent vein of 
coal, with a railroad to the mine. The mine is six miles from Antioch, 
within three-fourths of a mile of the first opening made on the coal veins 
of the county by the Israels. It was owned by George Hawxhurst and 
John C. Rouse, who, after operating several years, hauling coal by team 
from the mines to tide-water at Antioch, sold a half -interest in the Em- 
pire and Central mines to M. W. Belshaw and Egbert Judson, and 
formed a copartnership under the name of Empire Coal Mine & Rail- 
road Company. With the funds supplied by Belshaw and Judson, a nar- 
row-gauge railroad was constructed from the mine to Antioch, and 
thereafter all coal was transported by rail to this water shipping-point. 

After the discovery of the Oregon and Washington coal mines, the 
Mount Diablo coal being of an inferior quality, was unable to compete, 
and eventually oil, the steam fuel of today, finished the coal mining in 
this county. At the present time all the mines are closed and filled with 
water, the rails were taken up, and probably the mines will never again 



96 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

be operated, unless for the purpose of generating electric power at the 
several mines, which probably could be done at a profit. Such a project 
has been carefully considered by owners of the several properties, who 
figure that the short transmission lines to the industrial centers would 
counterbalance the additional cost of generating the juice as compared 
with the electric companies now generating electric power hundreds of 
miles away in the mountains. 

The coal-mining interest rapidly became one of the most important 
ones of the county. It built up four towns, viz., Somersville, Norton- 
ville, New York Landing (now Pittsburg)!, and Pittsburg Landing, and 
added greatly toward the town of Antioch. These mines produced in 
1877 108,678 tons of coal, valued at $650,000, as given by the assessor 
for that year, and 3000 acres of coal lands, valued at $163,300. The tun- 
nels of these mines were high enough for an ordinary-size man to stand 
erect and about five feet in width. They generally run on an incline to 
the gangway, and the loaded cars were drawn by mules to the foot of 
the incline and hoisted to the surface, where they were dumped into 
bunkers, and from these bunkers emptied into railroad cars and trans- 
ported by rail to the different landings. The coal was then taken to San 
Francisco and other cities by river steamers. 



CHAPTER X 

SAN RAMON VALLEY 

BY MRS. MARY A. JONES 

It was on such a perfect day in June, 1847, that a canvas-covered 
wagon drawn by oxen slowly wound its way through a beautiful valley. 
This "prairie schooner" carried a little family of home-seekers, and as 
the oxen moved laboriously along, the scene which greeted the eye at 
every turn of the winding path called forth exclamations of admira- 
tion from the occupants of the wagon. At length' the travelers halted 
the oxen, that they might better gaze and admire the picture of beauty 
and serenity that was spread before them. On every side, the valley and 
surrounding hills were covered with thick, velvety clover, and with wild 
oats standing waist high, waving and rippling in the summer breeze, 
like the bosom of a lake. The western hills were clumped with oaks, 
maples, and shrubs ; willows and mottled-trunked sycamores fringed 
the little stream at their left; while the mountains which formed the 
eastern wall of the valley seemed ever at their side as they journeyed 
southward. Cattle grazing on the luxuriant grasses, the chirp and twit- 
ter of birds, and the drowsy hum of insects completed a picture of 
beauty, peace, and contentment. Save for the bridle path which was the 
only guide of our travelers, and for a tule-thatched hut near the stream, 
used as a rude shelter by Spanish vaqueros when night overtook them 
in this region, there was nothing to show the hand of man. 

This was San Ramon Valley as it looked when first viewed by 
Americans, when they stopped their ox-team on that June day so long 
ago, just north of the spot where the village of Alamo now stands. No 
wonder that the head of that little family bared his brow, as he stood 
amid the wild oats and exclaimed half in prophecy, half in determina- 
tion, "Some time we will have a home in this valley." This was before 
the discovery of gold in California, and this little family were home- 
seekers, not gold-hunters. But because of the Mexican war which was 



98 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

raging at that time, they sought a settlement for protection, and Pueblo 
(now San Jose) was their destination. 

Four years later, the year 1851, found our home-makers back in the 
San Ramon Valley, accompanied by another family. These two families, 
with two others, who joined them later, purchased four leagues of land 
in the Romero grant, paying for it four thousand dollars. 

Is not our pride in our valley justifiable, when one considers that 
these people who had journeyed by wagon and ox-team over half a 
continent, and who had the whole State of California to choose from, 
chose for their home the heart of the San Ramon? 

Some changes marked the valley during the four years that had 
passed, notably the building of adobe houses, which were homes of 
Spanish families. Viewed through the lapse of years, we associate the 
adobe with the romantic and the picturesque. Built of adobe bricks 
dried in the sun, their thick walls and deeply framed doorways and 
windows afforded warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Every 
adobe house was surrounded by a portico, about whose rude pillars 
clambered vines of the mission grape, and in every dooryard bloomed 
the fragrant CastiUan rose of old Spain. The adobes call to mind tales 
of the gay, care-free life of the Spanish days in California. We think 
of the fandango, the soft music of the guitar, and the horsemen with 
their wide sombreros, their bright-colored scrapes, their jingling spurs, 
and their horses no less gaily bedecked in silver-mounted bridles, and 
saddles with monstrous tapaderas. 

But one may ask why in our valley today we find no descendants of 
these gay, pleasure-loving people. That question may be answered in 
two words — the "mafiana" of the ease-loving Spaniard, and the "today" 
of the hustling, progressive American. 

Soon after the coming of the first American home-makers in 185 1, 
others followed, and the fifties saw the arrival of many settlers in the 
valley. There followed a season of prosperity. Farms were improved 
with houses, bams, and granaries, a few fruit trees were set out, and 
gardens planted. The fertile land, little of which had ever known a 
plowshare, under American thrift was cultivated and made to produce 
abundantly. 

In the midst of this prosperity, a heavy blow fell upon the residents. 
The Spanish grants under which title the people had bought their land, 




(B,rVt..^yttrxx^ 



SAN RAMON VALLEY 99 

became the cause of years of litigation, and many residents were forced 
to pay for their land a second time. 

In those days all were neighbors in the fullest sense of the word, 
helping one another by an exchange of work, all joining together in 
their few social affairs, and ready to aid when sickness or death entered 
a home. Doctors were far away, and trained nurses were unknown, but 
it was nothing unusual for a pioneer mother to ride miles on horseback, 
often with a baby in her arms, to care for a sick neighbor. 

The first post-office in San Ramon Valley was established in 1853, 
and named ''Alamo" — a Spanish word meaning poplar tree. The post- 
office was given quarters at the home of John M. Jones, who lived in an 
adobe house that crowned the knoll of the O. J. Reis home-site just 
north of Alamo. Mr. Jones was the first postmaster, and his wife, Mrs. 
Mary A. Jones, was his deputy. For many years Alamo was the only 
post-office between Martinez and Mission San Jose. The mail was 
carried between these two points by a man with a horse and cart, who 
made a round trip twice each week. 

Alamo is the second oldest town in the county, Martinez being the 
oldest. The first house in the town of Alamo was built by a man named 
George Engelmeyer. He at first had a shoe-shop, but soon enlarged his 
shop to a general merchandise store, and did such a thriving business 
that in a short time he had to employ a clerk. Other shops soon fol- 
lowed — blacksmith, harness, and butcher shops, and a hotel. In 1858 
the frame building still standing under the maples and walnuts on the 
west side of the street was built. The lower floor of this building was 
used as the general merchandise store of Lomax & Smart, while the 
upper floor was the Masonic lodge-room. Alamo Lodge No. 122, F. & 
A. M., which now holds its meetings at Walnut Creek, was organized 
at Alamo in 1858, and this old building was its first home. In i860 a 
two-story brick structure was erected on the west side of the street, on 
the property now owned by Mrs. George Smith. Wolfe & Cohen were 
the owners of the general merchandise store which occupied the lower 
story, while the Masonic lodge moved from its first location into the 
more commodious quarters of the upper story of the new brick build- 
ing. The bricks of which this building was constructed, were made by 
G. W. Webster, who lived on what is now the Van Gorden place. The 
brick-kiln was situated on the Rancho el Rio, just across the creek 



100 HISTORY OF CONTFL\ COSTA COUNTY 

from the Van Gorden pear orchard. In the great earthquake of 1868 
the building mentioned was badly damaged, and was soon afterward 
torn down. 

The ruin known as the Foster House is of historic interest. It was 
erected in 1857 by James Foster, of Maine, and the staunch timbers of 
which it is constructed were made from trees which grew in the Maine 
woods. The lumber for the house was sawed, shaped, and fitted, all 
ready to put together, then shipped around the Horn to its destined 
home. Mr. Foster was a wheelwright, and wagons, carriages, furniture, 
and even coffins, when occasion required, were turned out from his 
shop with a neatness and finish that would do credit to the present day. 

In 1854 the first school in San Ramon Valley opened its doors in a 
little house which stood in the northern part of what is now the Ken- 
dall property, near the cemetery. Richard Webster was the first teacher. 
Soon after, a church (Cumberland Presbyterian) was built near the 
schoolhouse, on the lot which is now a driveway leading to the ceme- 
tery. For a while a school was conducted in a little house that stood on 
a bedrock knoll a short distance north of the point where the Southern' 
Pacific Railroad crosses the county road between Alamo and Walnut 
Creek. This was known as the "Wall" schoolhouse, being near the home 
of Captain Wall, at that time the owner of the Foulds ranch. 

In 1859 leading residents organized the Contra Costa Educational 
Association, and erected the Union Academy, a boarding and day 
school. The academy opened for instruction in June, i860, with Rev. 
David McClure as its first principal, while Silas Stone, John M. Jones, 
and Robert Love comprised its first board of trustees. The Union 
Academy was a large three-story structure, centrally located between 
Alamo and Danville, on the west side of the county road, on land that 
is now a prune orchard belonging to Mr. E. B. Anderson. The fine 
locusts which grace the roadway at that spot were planted in the days 
of the academy, to adorn the entrance to its grounds. John H. Braly, in 
later years principal of the San Jose Normal School, succeeded Dr. 
McClure as principal. Mr. Braly's successor was Rev. Robert King, and 
in 1868, during his principalship, the academy was destroyed by fire, 
and was never rebuilt. The church building almost directly opposite 
the academy site afforded temporary school accommodations. In the 
meantime other towns had sprung up — Danville, Limerick (now San 



SAN RAMON VALLEY lOl 

Ramon), and Walnut Creek, situated at the junction of Walnut and 
San Ramon creeks. District schools were established at Alamo and at 
these younger towns. 

In 1910, by popular vote of Danville, San Ramon, Alamo, Green Val- 
ley, and Sycamore districts, a high school was established at Danville, 
and named the San Ramon Valley Union High School. Although still 
in its infancy, it gives promise of becoming a power in the land. 

In nothing does history show progress in greater degree than in 
modes of transportation. Beginning with that ox-team which "gte- 
hawed" its way through our valley in 1847, we may trace the means of 
travel next by the saddle-horse, then by carriages drawn by horses. 
Next came the steam railroad with the advent of the Southern Pacific 
in 1891 ; in more recent years scores of automobiles, and now since 
1914 the Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Railway, land us in the metropo- 
lis in less than two hours. 

Since the coming of our first American settlers in 185 1, the years 
have brought many changes besides those of transportation. Many of 
the big ranches have been divided into smaller holdings. With the in- 
crease of population and more intensive farming, land has steadily in- 
creased in value, and, instead of being sold by the "league," it is meas- 
ured to the hundredth of an acre. Instead of the scattering farmhouses 
of the fifties, the valley and foothills are dotted with comfortable and 
attractive homes. 

Better facilities for handling perishable products, have changed 
many grain-fields into orchards, and fruit from San Ramon Valley 
now commands the highest prices in the markets of Eastern cities. 



CHAPTER XI 
CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

No PHRASES of Speech can fitly portray the panorama of changes that 
have passed before this one narrow field of vision during the compara- 
tively brief period of time 'twixt then and now. An appreciable repre- 
sentation of these should be pictured by the genius of a Michael Angelo 
upon a furlong canvas. It is only by this means that the contrasting of 
then and now can be presented to the quick glance of comprehension. 
The very face of the landscape has been changed ; the names and cus- 
toms and the very elements of society have changed. If real improve- 
ments and real progress are to be tested or measured by the compara- 
tive happiness of men and women, then there have been no improve- 
ments, no progress. It is only change. The old picture has been rudely 
effaced by social vandaHsm, and the canvas bedaubed with a new rep- 
resentation. 

The features and the life of the landscape have been changed. Stand- 
ing upon the mountain-tops sixty years ago, in the beginning of the 
month of May, one there and then beheld the broad-spreading plains 
and the gracefully undulating hills all clothed in verdure and beautified, 
as if by special ornamentation, with scattered groves of evergreen 
oaks, and here and there the tortuous fringes and dense clusters of the 
willows, marking the course of the rivulets and the locations of the 
living springs. This was simple inanimate nature, but the life of the 
landscape were the cattle upon a thousand hills. Myriads of cattle, 
bovine cattle, all spotted cattle, were feeding and roaming without limit 
over all the land, over all the sides and summits of the green hills, and 
over all the green-covered valleys and plains — these valleys and hills 
around us here. And there note also the dashing, picturesque vaquero, 
wdth his swinging lariat, making his oft-repeated charges among those 
wild flocks, arousing headlong stampedes among them. No prim, 
prudish artificial fencing of unsightly posts and boards then disfigured 
the landscape. Property boundaries of territory were marked only by 




,:^ S^^J^Z^ 



CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 103 

natural monuments. The mountain's crest, the meandering creek, the 
isolated boulder, the venerable oak, the living spring, the shore of the 
sea — these were the landmarks of the ranchero's wide domains. Nor 
was this pueblo of ours (Concord) thought worthy of artificial protec- 
tion; whole bands of these wild cattle together would come charging 
down from the hills, and careering through the streets, would escape 
the fierce pursuit of a dozen vaqueros. No foolish artificial fencing then. 
Over all the land no vandal plow had ever scarred and mutilated the 
face of nature, over all the land no square miles of nature's green had 
been discolored to the dirty brown of tillage ; but the whole earth, from 
the Sierras to the Pacific sea, was one limitless, universal pasture-land, 
resting beautiful and grand under the glorious brightness of a Cali- 
fornia sunshine. 

The elements of society have changed. Sixty years ago the Spanish 
population was the elemental rule — all others were only the exception. 
There were the Alvarados, the Castros, the Martinez, the Sepulvedas, 
the Estudillos, the Moragas, the Briones, the Sunols, the Sotos, the 
Peraltas, the Altemeranos, the Amadors, the Mirandas, the Berryessas, 
the Pachecos, the Bacas, the Higueras, the Alvisos, the Naviagas — all 
these proud, grand old families, each under the benignant rule of its 
kind old patriarch. It was most delightful to be among them at their 
homes — these rich, extravagant, hospitable, confiding, simple-minded, 
old-fashioned people. There was no shoddyism discovered there; all 
their surroundings were old-fashioned, neat, and comfortable. Just 
think of that sumptuous dinner of Spanish cookery and those luxurious 
feather beds after the fatiguing hard day's ride on horseback. The 
young men of each household, although sometimes reckless and wild 
like other boys, were polite, sprightly, and handsome. The young women 
were beautiful and graceful, with manners most charming. One never 
will forget those social fandangos. Now the Spanish noun fandango is 
often used by stupid Americanos as an expression of contempt. But 
this comprehensive Spanish word has the same purport as the two 
English words "social party." Their beautiful dances were the very 
poetry of motion, and they were tastefully adopted by well-bred Ameri- 
can society. 

There was another seemingly barbarous amusement which had been 
adopted hundreds of years before from the Moorish customs. We refer 



I04 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



to the renowned Spanish bull-fight, which at one time was as popular 
as it was dangerous. 

We have said the Spanish ranchero was extravagant in his mode of 
living. Well, why not? He could well afford to be extravagant, for he 
was rich, very rich. There were those dozen solid silver candlesticks; 
there were those solid silver salvers three feet long; there were those 
quaint old Mexican table sets of solid silver. The ladies of the house- 
hold were provided with sumptuous and most costly apparel. He had 
gold in abundance, the proceeds from the ready sale of his thousands of 
beef cattle. And what could he do with all this gold? He said, "Let us 
have sport with it," and so he and his neighboring rancheros had their 
regular gambling set-to every Sunday evening after church. His wide 
domain of square leagues more than equaled any German principality. 
That earthquake - proof adobe cottage, that vineyard, that bubbling 
spring of purest water, that sparkling living brook, that cool shade of 
waving willows, the soft breeze of a peculiar climate, that quiet seclu- 
sion from the striving world, made up his beautiful garden of para- 
dise. Conscious of his independence and wealth, of his thousands for 
him and for his for all coming time, he never dreamt of a reverse of 
fortune. 

But a change came over the spirit of his dream. The unscrupulous 
Yankee finds his resting-place. A few thousand dollars in gold coin is 
temptingly exhibited ; the wine circulates freely, with the oft-repeated 
"Buena salud"; conversation becomes interesting and animated, and 
the patriarch and his household are charmed with their new-found 
acquaintance, the artful and polished visitor. A loan of this money is 
most graciously tendered by this most liberal stranger; a little more 
wine is taken for the stomach's sake, with another "Buena salud" all 
around, and the proffered loan is as graciously accepted, more to 
oblige the accomplished guest than for any possible need or use for the 
ready cash; a promissory note, prepared beforehand, written in Eng- 
lish, and made payable one day after date, bearing interest at the rate 
of seven per cent a month, to be compounded monthly, is accepted, and 
the usual accompanying death-pledge upon that principality of square 
leagues, is mirthfully executed by the confiding, simple-minded, illiter- 
ate Spaniard as if it were a passing jest. So much droll ceremony with 
reference to that mere trifle of money was light comedy to him, in 



CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 105 

the amusing program of the day's entertainment. Time rolls on — 
months, years pass away. Where does that elegant gentleman keep him- 
self ? Why does he not come and get his money? Surely he is a most 
indulgent creditor. The illiterate Spaniard has no conception of the 
cumulative effect of interest compounded. In the lapse of time the in- 
significant financial comedy is scarcely remembered. Eventually, a 
polite note is received, as coming from the court, with reference to that 
almost forgotten subject. Of course, there is nothing to be said by way 
of objection; it is all right. Why, then, should he trouble himself with 
giving any heed to it? That Httle affair of a few thousand dollars can 
be refunded any day. Why does not the gentleman come and pay us a 
visit? That little matter of money is ready for him any day. He prom- 
ised to come and see us again. 

More years have glided into the past, and that paltry item of interest 
has regularly and steadily compounded over .a hundred times; the 
principal and interest have gradually rolled up to the immense amount 
of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars — a full quarter of a million ! 
In time the mortgage is foreclosed. Then comes the auction sale; and 
there the prowling agent of the relentless creditor, without competi- 
tion, bids in those many square miles of land for only a half of the 
enormous debt. It is then only that the credulous dreaming Spanish 
family is startled and awakened as by an earthquake shock ! The busi- 
ness was complicated, and needed the deft handling of financial abil- 
ity. Redemption is impossible. The final judicial process is the closing 
act of the drama, and that splendid estate comes under the dominion 
of the stranger. The patriarch and his numerous household are exiled 
from their home forever, while indigence and wretched want attend 
them as they scatter and wander away. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT 

During the year 1828 the Rancho Monte del Diablo, comprising four 
leagues of land, was granted to Don Salvio Pacheco, a gentleman who 
was widely known throughout the department of California, and held 
many high offices in the gift of the Mexican Government. At that time 
he was a resident of the Pueblo de San Jose, and it was not until 
the year 1834 that he took actual possession and commenced stocking 
his vast property with cattle — for be it remembered that the early Cali- 



Io6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

fornian was a stock-raiser rather than a farmer. Don Salvio died at his 
residence near Concord. This gentleman came to the rancho during a 
portion of each year. In 1845 he brought his family to the county and 
made his permanent home in Contra Costa. In the early days the Pache- 
cos owned fully five thousand head of cattle, while it may be stated, as 
showing that the rancho life was not always one of indolence, that it 
was usual to shut up for the night as many as one thousand calves. 

Up until 1852 there was no accession to the foreign population of 
the township under consideration. In that year we learn that Asa 
Bowen settled on the place later occupied by Silverio Soto and Wil- 
liam C. Prince. In the same year Benjamin Shreve resided a short time 
in Ygnacio Valley, but afterward moved to Lafayette. 

It should be mentioned that in 1850 valuable lime quarries were dis- 
covered at the foot of Mount Diablo by Frank Such, who at once com- 
menced the task of developing them. In company with W. E. Whitney, 
Such supplied vast quantities of the lime for the mortar that was first 
used in San Francisco, the material being shipped from the landing six 
miles from the mouth of Mount Diablo Creek. Excellent kilns, capable 
of burning four hundred and fifty barrels at a time, and yielding three 
thousand barrels per month, were there erected. 

In November, 1852, Randolph H. Wight, for many years one of the 
Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, settled in the New York 
Valley, where he resided with his brother until 1857, when he moved 
to his own residence. On his arrival Mr. Wight found the Olmstead 
and Strode families settled here, the former living in a house built in 
1850 — the first dwelling in that portion of the township — where later 
stood the Stone House, first occupied by Joseph Anderson, and after- 
ward by Daniel Cunningham. In that year the first orchards were 
planted in New York Valley section of Township Number Three. 

Our readers are all familiar with the stretch of territory forming 
the high land between Mount Diablo and Walnut Creek, then embraced 
in English and Kapp's property, comprising some three thousand acres 
in all, and usually called the Government Ranch. This name, however, 
is misleading. We are informed by reUable authority that the ranch 
was never the property of the Government, nor was it leased by them. 
It was purchased by two officers of the Quartermaster's Department 
of the United States Army, Majors Allen and Loring, in or about 




4J^^^^ '^^^^ 



CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 107 

185 1. From the fact of the army mules being pastured there at one 
time, the pubhc gave the tract the name of the Government Ranch. It 
was one league of the Pacheco grant, and was sold to Majors Allen and 
Loring for $12,^00. There the two officers shortly after erected several 
buildings, but these have not been used for residence for years. These 
buildings, ready to be set up, were imported from Norway. They were 
constructed without nails, and, as all the parts were numbered, they 
were easily put together. Major Allen never lived on the ranch. On 
Loring's death, however, he acquired that gentleman's share and after- 
ward sold out to Doctor L. C. Frisbie, of Solano County, who dis- 
posed of it to Judge S. C. Hastings. One-half of it was bought by G. 
W. Colby from Judge Hastings, who gave the remaining moiety to his 
son, C. F. D. Hastings, who sold it to Barry Baldwin, and from him it 
passed to the hands of other owners. 

We now come to that epoch when every available acre of the town- 
ship was taken up by squatters — not a quarter-section but had been 
taken possession of by those dispirited men from the mines. 

Prominent among those to settle in Ygnacio Valley in 1851 was 
James T. Walker, the nephew of the renowned Captain Joe Walker. 
He built himself a beautiful home, and owned a large estate of hill and 
valley lands. His house commanded one of the most magnificent pros- 
pects conceivable, as it took in the fertile valley, dotted with umbrage- 
ous oaks, and blended in the blue distance with Suisun Bay and the hills 
beyond. In the same year Mr. Walker's companion, Frank McClellan, 
settled on the place where Lawrence Geary resided. Of the others who 
came in the year 1853 were "J^^^y" Morgan, George Petwin, Penni- 
man, Seymour, Myron Gibson, Robert McPherson, Alonzo Plumley, 
the Smiths, Ben Hockabout, "Hank," Henry, and John Davis, and Van- 
dermark. Seymour settled near the section where W. C. Prince was lo- 
cated; Barnheisel occupied a point near Major's farm; Ed. Legrand 
had a forty-acre tract above the Lohse place, and known afterward as 
the Shannon tract ; Morgan was located where J. F. S. Smith resided, 
his cabin being on the hill once occupied by the barn ; Myron and John 
Gibson and James Toomey occupied a portion of the splendid ranch 
later owned by Munson Gregory, and as far as Bray's residence in 
Pine Canon. In October, 1853, Doctor E. F. Hough, then of Martinez, 
located in Ygnacio Valley, entered upon the practice of his profession, 



Io8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

and after some obstructiveness on the part of native Calif ornians, es- 
tablished a lasting popularity. He also opened a store and house of en- 
tertainment, which he conducted until 1855, when, disposing of his 
interest, he removed to the county seat. This was the first store in the 
township. In 1853 Prince bargained with Asa Bow en for his farm ; he 
found on the place a full crop of sweet potatoes of some fifteen to 
twenty acres in extent. It was in 1852 or 1853 that the first crop of 
wheat in this section was sown. On May 3, 1853, Samuel S. Bacon 
came to the Government Ranch, and in the fall built a stable for four- 
teen mules, for Majors Allen and Loring of the United States Army. 
Of the very few names remembered, those of Bishop and Van Ryder 
may be mentioned ; they resided on the place now owned by Charles S. 
Lohse, where they cultivated a small patch of wheat in partnership. At 
that period there was not a semblance of a town in the county save at 
Martinez. F. L. Such was foreman for a San Francisco firm, and had 
the limekiln mentioned elsewhere ; it was situated on the right bank of 
the branch of Mount Diablo Creek, where he established a landing. 
The creek was then sufficiently large for craft of nearly one hundred 
tons ; today it is almost filled up. The lime enterprise was continued un- 
til 1862; then it lay dormant for a time, and under the supervision of 
another firm was revived and worked until about the year 1870. In later 
years it was again taken up, and has continued to the present time a 
large and profitable industry. 

In the New York Valley district in 1853 Charles L. Bird located on 
the land then owned by the Colby estate, C. J. Pramberg, and Hilshin 
and Johnson. Toward the end of the year Knight settled on what was 
later the Cunningham estate. In the spring of that year Charles N. 
Wight joined his brother in that section. Here, in 1853, the first land 
was plowed, and about seven acres sowed in wheat. An excellent crop 
was the out-turn, but, owing to the want of proper threshing facilities, 
not much good resulted. 

The parents of S. P. Davis, of Brentwood, located in the Pacheco 
Valley, near Clayton, October 17, 1853, and with their son resided for 
many years in that region. 

In the spring of 1854, William C. Prince, who came to his uncle, 
Elam Brown, in 1849, removed from Lafayette to his farm in Ygnacio 
Valley, which he purchased the year previous. In 1854, including squat- 



CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 109 

ters, there were fully twenty-five families settled in Ygnacio Valley, 
the produce of which was shipped from the embarcadero at Pacheco to 
San Francisco. Cultivation had become general and immense crops 
were raised. In that year came to Bay Point district, Newton Wood- 
ruff, accompanied by his brothers Asa, Philo, and Simeon, the last of 
whom remained some five or six years. The first school in the town- 
ship was established in that year in Ygnacio Valley. 

Among the settlers of the township in 1855 was C. B. Porter, who 
served in both the upper and lower house in the State legislature, and 
was well known as the editor and proprietor of the Contra Costa Ga- 
zette. 

In 1855 Ignacio Soto joined his brothers, who had preceded him to 
Contra Costa County, on the thousand-acre tract in the Ygnacio Val- 
ley. Here he resided until his death, which occurred June 15, 1882. In 
1857 Munson Gregory acquired, and in 1858 settled on, his Ygnacio 
Valley ranch. In 1857 E. R. McPherson settled in the Ygnacio Valley, 
and on December 4th George P. Loucks took up his residence in the 
township. Mr. Loucks, besides having filled the office of county clerk, 
also held a seat on the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County. 
In 1858 David S. Woodruflf settled at Bay Point and Syranus Standish 
in Pacheco. In 1859 J. A. Littlefield and Theodore Downing became 
residents of the township, and in i860 Ludwig Anderson and D. G. 
Barnett each located in the town of Pacheco. 

The reader will naturally remark that the foregoing gentlemen are 
not all of those that settled in the township, still they are the only names 
that are remembered by many of the oldest residents. We will now 
turn to a few remarks upon the villages in Township Number Three. 

In 1845 the first abode of any kind to be erected in this vast country 
was made of skins of cattle, elk, bear, and deer, and was erected upon 
the bank of the lake in the vicinity of the Galindo homestead. 

In the late forties and early fifties the present old adobe building, 
later the property of Mrs. Holler, was erected, and during the old days 
of Spanish grandeur was the scene of many notable weddings, as well 
as many state affairs and social functions. Today it remains intact, ex- 
cept that the tile roof has been replaced with shingles and weather- 
boards have been placed upon the outside to protect the sturdy walls 
from the ravages of time. 



no HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

There is a long porch on either side of the building, giving a com- 
manding view of the country for miles in every direction, a popular 
feature in the days when the roving herds of wild deer, elk, bear, and 
prowling Indians made life exciting for the early settler. It is hardly 
conceivable by the present generation that deer and elk were so thick 
in this section that they were lassoed. There are today choice specimens 
of horns preserved in many homes as relics of that bygone time. 

CONCORD 

In the year 1869, owing to the continued yearly flooding of the town of 
Pacheco, whereby the inhabitants were put to great expense for raising 
buildings, etc., Salvio Pacheco, Fernando Pacheco, and Francisco Ga- 
lindo, to whom belonged the land, offered to lay out a town some two 
miles east of Pacheco. The plot was surveyed by Lewis Castro and 
laid off into lots and streets. It contained twenty acres, divided into 
nineteen blocks and a plaza. 

In the naming of the new town there was much variety of disputa- 
tion. At first the Spanish population and donors of the land wanted it 
to be named Todos Santos (All Saints), by which name it is recorded. 
The Americans had dubbed it Drunken Indian, with that genius that 
the early pioneers displayed for the science of nomenclature. But it was 
finally left to the public to give it the name of Concord, by which it is 
now officially known. 

In 1870 a school was started in its precincts, first taught by Mrs. 
Henry Policy, nee Carpenter. In 1873 a handsome Catholic church was 
erected, and was duly dedicated November 5, 1876. 

Don Salvio Pacheco died at his residence at Concord, August 9, 1876, 
at the age of eighty-five years. He was born near San Diego, and his 
entire life was spent in California. For a number of years he was 
alcalde of the Pueblo de San Jose and also several times a member of 
the Departmental Assembly, earning an honorable reputation in the dis- 
charge of public duties. The grant of Monte del Diablo, embracing four 
leagues of land, was made to him by Governor Micheltorena in 1834, 
but it was some ten or twelve years later when he established his resi- 
dence on the property, where he continued to reside till the time of his 
death. 

In the laying out and the opening up of the town of Concord it was 




"-^ h^la'ZHyv<^.^'--y^ir^^ 



CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY III 

decided by the donors to give those of the residents and business men 
of Pacheco who would locate in the new town a certain number of lots 
free. Among the first to take advantage of this new scheme was Samuel 
Bacon. He had. suffered from the floods of Pacheco, where he had a 
store. He therefore came to the new town, and in June, 1869, com- 
pleted his store, which will be remembered by many of our citizens as 
standing on the location of the present First National Bank building. 
Later he erected a residence next his store, and here Samuel Bacon and 
his wife continued to reside until his death, which occurred about twen- 
ty years ago. This dwelling was also removed to make room for the 
bank building. 

In the summer of 1869 Charles Lohse erected a machine-shop oppo- 
site Bacon's store, and Henry Loring (now deceased) erected what was 
first known as Klein's Hotel, now called the Concord Hotel. During 
that summer several buildings were erected and there sprang up a num- 
ber of business establishments. 

John Brawand and George Gavin, both deceased, were among the 
first settlers in Concord, and their children and grandchildren are now 
prominently identified with the business and social welfare of the com- 
munity. Charles Lohse is perhaps the only one now living (1916) of 
those who came to the town in its infancy. He resides on his fine farm 
in Ygnacio Valley, and is hale and hearty in spite of the fact that he is 
over ninety years old. 

Where the Bank of Concord building now stands was located a frame 
building occupied by Foskett & Elsworthy as a butchershop, which they 
occupied until the January block was completed, when they moved to 
the store formerly occupied by Levinson. 

Where the cafe of the Concord Inn now stands was located the 
Mount Diablo Hotel, now on Mount Diablo Street, corner of Lincoln. 
The old Mount Diablo Hotel continued for years under the manage- 
ment of John Wichers until his death, after which many managers con- 
trolled its destinies, until some years ago, when it was sold to make 
way for a more important structure, and the Salvio-Street portion of 
the Concord Inn was erected thereon. 

In 1898 Joe F. Rosa took charge of the Concord Hotel. Although en- 
larged and modernized, it still retains some of its old-time features. 

Concord's first bakery was opened by John Lambert in a small frame 



112 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

building on the site of Manuel Nunes' property. In 1889 he built the 
frame building which has served since then as his bakery. In later 
years he erected two brick buildings upon his adjoining property. 

In 1892 the present grammar school was built, and in 1906 the pres- 
ent high-school building was erected. 

Concord continued upon the even tenor of its way until, on February 
5, 1905, it became an incorporated city, and then and there Concord 
awoke. The first step in the march of progress was electric lights for 
both streets and buildings. Next came the inaugurating of a water sys- 
tem for both fire and commercial purposes, to be closely followed by a 
modern sewer system, and last of all of the great improvements, that 
of street-work. Concord has completed its streets, having every thor- 
oughfare within its incorporated borders paved, and it is doubtful if 
there is another city of its size in the State of California that can make 
such a statement. 

With the advent of the Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Railway, in 
1 91 2, Concord experienced quite a boom, during which time many old 
landmarks gave way to large modern buildings. 

Concord is a city well worth seeing, with its paved streets, its fine 
business buildings and pretty residences, its nice park, and, above all, 
its mild and agreeable climate. 

During the last few years poultrymen have realized the advantages 
of the chmate for the rearing of poultry, and its easy access to the large 
bay cities makes it an ideal country. They are fast locating in central 
Contra Costa adjacent to Concord, and already many poultry ranches 
are located within these confines. 

For the last thirty-five years Concord has been served with a weekly 
newspaper, the first issue of the Concord Sun having come out about 
that time under the editorship of S. Fargeon, now deceased. The Sun 
had its setting a few years later, but was immediately revived and re- 
named the Concord Transcript by Hart A. Downer. Succeeding Downer 
J. S. Taylor assumed control and for a number of years held sway, sell- 
ing out to H. E. Griffith, who after a few years disposed of the paper 
to Mrs. N. K. Cushing. This was in 1905, and Mrs. Cushing continued 
at the helm for five years. In April, 1910, a number of prominent citi- 
zens of Concord purchased the paper and formed a corporation known 
as the Transcript Publishing Company, employing J. R. Boothe as edi- 



CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY II3 

tor. In the period from the formation of the corporation until the sum- 
mer of 1913 a number of different editors endeavored to steer the craft, 
but for the company the paper was not a paying venture, and at the 
time stated T. G. Elbury and S. W. Holcomb bought up the stock. They 
remained in control less than a year, disposing of the business to the 
present management on March i, 1914. The paper has been under Miss 
Catherine Burke's control ever since, and is counted one of the most 
successful newspapers, both financially and otherwise, in Contra Costa 
County. The Transcript is pubHshed every Thursday afternoon, and is 
a seven-column eight-page paper. 

Concord today is well equipped with business of all kinds — two 
banks, several general merchandise stores, hardware-stores, good ho- 
tels, drug-stores, garages, machine-shops and blacksmith-shops, three 
churches, a good fire department, and in fact every convenience that 
goes to make up a city where people enjoy living. . 

Salvio Pacheco, in July, 1852, was assessed for 17,712 acres of land, 
valued at $141,696, or eight dollars an acre. 

The present board of trustees of Concord are E. J. Randall (chair- 
man), Clark Jaquith, Charles Dunn, Joseph Rosa, and Henry Bott. 

PACHECO 

In i860 Hale & Fassett, with Doctor Carothers, purchased the site of 
Pacheco and laid it out in town lots. With a keen perception of the 
natural advantages of the situation, its proximity to an embarcadero, 
and its lying on the main line of travel, these enterprising gentlemen at 
once commenced building. Hale & Fassett erected a store and a large 
warehouse at the bayside, and in a short time were doing a large profit- 
able business. Others came in, lots were bought, and the place soon had 
the elements of prosperity. 

Long before Pacheco came into existence, however, G. L. Walrath 
had in 1853 erected the residence later occupied by George P. Loucks. 
As far back as 1853 there was a warehouse owned by Lathrop, Fish, 
and Walrath, that later was possessed by Bray Brothers, of San Fran- 
cisco, while in 1857 Mr. Loucks built another 150 feet in length, and 
in 1858 there was 125 feet added to it. This stood on the bank of Wal- 
nut Creek, about one mile east of the town. In the fall of 1862, owing 
to the rapid filling in of the stream, it was moved down the creek about 



114 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

three-quarters of a mile. In 1857 ^- K. Hendricks acquired land from 
Mr. Loucks, and on it built the mill. These two enterprises were the 
primary causes of the starting of Pacheco. 

At an early date the creek had its course to the rear of the store of 
John Gambs, while the county road ran along the line of the creek. The 
earliest saiUng-craft to ply to the locahty were those trading to the 
lime-kiln of F. L. Such. The first to come to Louck's wharf were the 
"C. E. Long," Captain Gus. Henderson, and the 'Tda," Captain Lud- 
wig Anderson. 

The land on which the town stands was surveyed by J. B. Abbott, 
and on it Hale & Fassett built the first house, it being the long store 
later occupied by John Gambs. About the same time Ludwig Anderson 
erected his residence, while the first brick house was put up by Elijah 
Hook. The first hotel was opened by Woodford, and thus the town had 
its start. In i860 J. H. Troy's first fire-proof building was completed. 

Almost in the year of its birth Pacheco was visited by a devastating 
fire. On August 11, i860, a fire broke out in the village, when the store 
of Elijah Hook, known as the "Farmers' Block," the concrete block of 
Doctor J. H. Carothers, and several other buildings were consumed, 
with a loss of about $26,400. A little more than seven years later an- 
other disastrous conflagration took place; on August 15, 1867, the Pa- 
checo flour mills were totally destroyed. This loss was a public as well as 
a private calamity. The loss, amounting to no less than from $14,000 
to $16,000, on which there was no insurance, was a very severe one to 
the proprietor, W. J. Ireland, and swept away the earnings of a life of 
industry. Besides the loss of the mills, about $2000 worth of wheat and 
flour was consumed, the property of various farmers in the vicinity. 
The next fire that occurred was the burning of Judge Warmcastle's 
farmhouse on April i, 1870. The building was rented by Mr. Minaker. 
The last of all these conflagrations and the most destructive took place 
on the morning of Tuesday, September 5, 1871, when the village was 
once more visited by the fire fiend and damage done to the amount of 
$30,000 and more. The principal losers were E. Hook, three buildings 
and stock — loss, $18,000; L. F. Mareno, building, harness stock, and 
household goods — loss, $2500 ; Bunker & Porter, Contra Costa Gazette 
— loss, $2000; Odd Fellows Hall — loss, $2000; L.Anderson — loss, $500; 
J. H. Troy— loss, $500. 





I4^^41A4V<J 



(Hl/-^ 



CENTRAL CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 1 15 

When Pacheco Fire Engine Company No. i was organized we 
have been unable to gather, nor do we know who its first officers were, 
but that there was such an organization is certain, for we find Don Sal- 
vio Pacheco, on February 16, 1861, presenting them with a handsome 
banner, trimmed with gold lace, and surmounted with a golden eagle. 

On September 12, 1863, Pacheco Lodge No. 117, I. O. O. F., was or- 
ganized in Pacheco, with the following officers : Paul Shirley, N. G. ; W. 
T. Hendrick, T. G. ; L. B. Parish, secretary ; John Gambs, treasurer ; J. 
H. Carothers, warden. It was removed a few years later to Concord. In 
1914 the building was remodeled throughout, and is now one of the fin- 
est fraternal halls in Contra Costa County. 

The great earthquake which occurred at eight o'clock on the morn- 
ing of October 21, 1868, did considerable damage in Pacheco among the 
brick and concrete buildings, though a number of the frame buildings 
also suffered. 

On May 29, 1869, the Western Union Telegraph Company completed 
their line to Pacheco, en route to Antioch. On June 19 in that year Mo- 
hawk Tribe No. 20, I. O. R. M., was instituted in Pacheco. 

On December 29, 1870, the certificate of incorporation of the Contra 
Costa Savings & Loan Bank was filed. The following were the direc- 
tors : Barry Baldwin, G. M. Bryant, Walter K. Dell, John Gambs, W. 
M. Hale. The capital stock was laid at $50,000, and the existence of the 
corporation was limited to fifty years. 

On February 6, 1871, the Pacheco Tobacco Company was incorpor- 
ated, with a capital stock of $10,000, for the purpose of curing and 
manufacturing tobacco. 

The first church built in Pacheco was the Presbyterian, in 1862, and 
later a Roman Catholic church, and at a still later date the meeting- 
house of the Congregational church. 

In the year 1859 a schoolhouse was constructed, and D. S. Woodruff 
was the first instructor. This continued until 1872, when it was deemed 
advisable to acquire a new school site, adjacent to the Catholic church, 
where it would be less likely to be flooded than in its former position. 

The Pacheco flour-mill was erected in 1857, by W. T. Hendrick, who 
afterward disposed of it to W. J. Ireland. 

L. Anderson's lumber yard was established by Capt. Ludwig Ander- 
son in i860. 



CHAPTER XII 

EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

BY ROBERT G. DEAN 

That portion of Contra Costa County lying east of the Mount Diablo 
Range — which includes a fringe of the great delta — has long been 
known and referred to as ''Eastern Contra Costa/' its boundaries being 
well defined by the Diablo Range on the west and the western branch of 
the San Joaquin, known as Old River, following it to its intersection 
with the main river, thence to Suisun Bay. 

The history of this particular section is not of absorbing interest in 
its occupation and settlement — rather commonplace in its historical im- 
portance as an integral part of the State— but in the compilation of the 
history of Contra Costa County is worthy of a conspicuous place, inas- 
much as it has long been recognized as one of the garden-spots of the 
State and as the early home of one of California's most noted pioneers. 
Therefore, you who scan these pages will not expect a thrilling or tragic 
story of frontier life, nor yet a recital of dramatic scenes traced with 
the graphic pen of a Gibbon or in the elegant diction of a Macaulay, 
but rather in the plain, unvarnished tongue of one who came early upon 
the scene, will the simple story of conditions and of incidents and men 
who were the first to drift into this primitive and unpeopled land be 
told — men who had courageously braved the dangers of land and sea to 
reach it, and who came bringing their household gods, their traditions 
and civilization with them, to establish here on the Pacific Coast their 
homes and altars, to assist in building a new State, and to build into its 
foundations the principles of justice and freedom. So surely as they 
have done this, so surely have they made history, and so surely is the 
record worthy of transmission to posterity that the yet unborn may 
read in gratification of their pride in their ancestors who laid the foun- 
dations of this great commonwealth, perpetuating therein the rich and 
inestimable legacy they had received as a heritage from their American 
ancestry. 




^^^^. 



EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 1 17 

Imagine yourself standing in the basket of a tethered baloon 3849 feet 
above the earth, with an unobstructed view of the world below. You 
would gaze with inspirations of delight upon the picture thus presented. 
Standing on the summit of Mount Diablo, that cone-like pinnacle that 
rises to the above elevation in the central part of Contra Costa County, 
a panoramic view is obtained that, however gifted, no artist's brush 
could paint or pen faithfully portray. It is simply a wonderful and in- 
teresting picture of valleys "cradled in the hills," of farms, orchards, 
hamlets, towns, cities — long stretches of watercourses, silvery in the 
sunlight — great bays and far-reaching inlets, with sail and steam craft 
crawling on their surface like flies on a gigantic mirror — vast areas of 
plains — the islands of the great delta of the Sacramento and San Joa- 
quin rivers ; and beyond, dim in the distance, the Sierras lift their lofty 
and luminous summits, snow-crested, into the imperial blue of uncloud- 
ed skies. 

Westward the busy mart of San Francisco with its peopled streets 
and moving car-hnes, its domes and steepled churches, the long lines of 
drifting smoke from furnace fires — the Golden Gate and the Farallon 
Islands, and, far beyond the shore line of the continent, the gray waste 
of the ocean even to the horizon's verge — in all directions, far as the eye 
can reach, tinted with light and shadow and rifts of color, extends this 
scenic picture. 

It is from this viewpoint that I invite you to look down upon the 
eastern portion of Contra Costa County. The narrow rim of rounded 
and rapidly descending foothills that adjoin the mountains on the east, 
and which remind one of bubbles on the surface of a boihng cauldron, 
soon disappear, merged into a slightly descending plain that stretches 
away eastward to the great tule delta that from this height appears Hke 
a great splash of green on the landscape, separated into islands by glint- 
ing and tortuous watercourses. 

Here, in a conspicuous locality on this plain, near the foothills, on the 
line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, stands the village of Brentwood. 
Its environment is the twenty-five or thirty sections of free alluvial soil 
created by the joint action and wash of Marsh and Kellogg creeks, that 
drain the eastern watershed of Mount Diablo and the Black Hills. It is 
a neat country village with broad smooth streets and cement sidewalks. 
It excusedly boasts of a beautiful hotel built of fortified concrete, in the 



Il8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Mission style of architecture, regardless of cost in construction or ap- 
pointment, an ornamental bank building, and, owing to the central loca- 
tion, a high school has been established that is modestly hidden in the 
heart of the village. This is supplemented by a manual-training school 
and all the accessories that go to constitute it an up-to-date institution 
of learning, duly accredited to the University of California. It has, also, 
a fine grammar school, two churches, stores, shops, and business houses 
incidental to a modern village, a large grain warehouse that handles 
thousands of tons of wheat and barley, the products of its fertile acres. 

It would be pleasant to dilate on the future of this favored section, to 
speak of the splendid system of irrigation constructed and completed, 
to picture these broad acres, that once were waving grain-fields, painted 
with the living green of alfalfa and orchard, dotted with the homes of 
the small farmer living upon and cultivating his crops in conscious se- 
curity against the fickle seasons with their insufficient rainfalls, with 
every advantage of transportation by rail and water, with a climate free 
from sea fogs or chilling summer winds, and canopied for eight months 
in the year by cloudless skies, distant only sixty-two and a half miles 
from the civic center of San Francisco. 

But this is not history, and it is of the past rather than of the present 
or future that we propose to speak. The writer drifted into this section 
in the summer of 1853. At that date there was no habitation between 
the lower crossing of the San Joaquin, near where the railroad now 
crosses, and Marsh Landing, except that of Doctor John Marsh, whose 
home was on the edge of the foothills several miles from the usually 
traveled road that skirted the tules. A belt of fine old oaks that grew on 
the delta of Kellogg Creek was a conspicuous landmark, for the reason 
that it was the first bunch of timber found north of the four creeks 
on the west side, a distance of two hundred miles, and received the ap- 
pellation of ''The Point of Timber," a designation that still applies to 
that locality. 

A luxuriant growth of alfilaria and wild oats covered the plains and 
foothills — too rank in many places to cut for hay ; and on the wash of 
Sand Creek, when the soil had been flooded, the oats were so tall that 
the antelope and cattle made trails through and underneath them, and it 
was possible for a horseman to lap the heads of the oats together over 
his shoulders while sitting on his horse. 




(^^'^-^tX^Co^ 






EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 119 

Doctor Marsh asserted ownership to the whole country, claiming un- 
der the title of a Spanish grant. His boundaries were from a round- 
topped hill standing in the range southwest of Byron, known as Brushy 
Peak, to the river, thence following the river to Antioch, thence to the 
place of beginning, embracing some thirty-two or more leagues of land. 
His cattle ran wild and in scattered bunches over this splendid domain, 
unbroken even to the rodeo. Not until 1852 were they handled, beyond 
branding and ear-marking the calves, when he let the contract to a party 
to gentle them. The rodeo ground was on the tule front, on what is now 
known as the Portman ranch, near Knightsen, and when the job was 
completed one man could round up the entire herd — and Doctor Marsh 
was out of pocket $3000. The Doctor had built a story-and-a-half cot- 
tage and extended a narrow wharf into the river at the eastern end of 
the sand bluff above Antioch. This was known as Marsh Landing, but 
was occupied in 1853 by a Creole Frenchman by the name of Leonard. 
Leonard had ''jumped" the place, and a suit was then pending against 
him, instituted by the Doctor, for forcible entry and detainer. 

The Stockton steamboats were calHng there, and Leonard had made 
some arrangement for the exchange of mail. Antioch had two or three 
houses ; Captain Kimball, Parson Smith, and, if I remember, J. C. Mc- 
Master, were the principal residents. Fowler had established a ranch 
over on the point and occupied it with his family. There was the hull of 
a dismantled ship lying in the mud at New York Landing below An- 
tioch, now Pittsburg. City sites in the early days were as eagerly sought 
after as the gUttering gold of the mines. Every available point was lo- 
cated where it was thought a trade center could be established and city 
lots were staked for sale. Thus eastern Contra Costa came in for its 
share. 

The New York of the Pacific, Antioch, and Marsh Landing were 
located, and sixty-five years thereafter the hopeful anticipations of their 
founders are in process of realization, particularly as to the former. 
The smoke from her many furnace fires attest the wisdom of the loca- 
tion of Pittsburg as a center of industry, and the more conspicuous site 
of Antioch that is fast assuming city proportions, with the advantages 
of deep water at her piers, the custom of the isles, and her railroad fa- 
cilities, will insure her steady and permanent growth. 

Possibly the dreams of Doctor Marsh would have materialized also, 



120 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

if the coal-croppings on his ranch had developed as anticipated — but 
alas ! *'the best laid plans of mice and men gang aft aglee." 

During the year settlers began to drop in along the tule front ; John 
Dobbinspeck, with his family, took up a claim just east of Marsh Land- 
ing and built a little domicile out of split material hauled from the red- 
woods. His wife had brought with her several quarts of peach pits; 
these were planted in the moist tule edge and made trees suitable for 
transplanting the ensuing spring. Perkins, a Yankee sailor with a Kan- 
aka wife, located on the front at a point between Oakley and the land- 
ing. He was elected justice of the peace, and I remember his first case. 

A little Irishman had contracted to dig a certain number of rods of 
fence ditch, at fifty cents a rod,^ for John Osborne, who had made a lo- 
cation in the live oaks. Osborne thought the sturdy little fellow could 
dig about eight rods a day, and thus make fair wages; but "Johnny'' 
turned himself loose in the sand and made it fly. At night he had nearly 
twenty rods ! Osborne refused to pay, and Johnny sued. 'Terk" opened 
court in his living-room. There was a table and four chairs. Just before 
seating himself he reached into a cupboard and pulled out a half-gallon 
demijohn of whiskey. "Now, boys, let's all have a snootful" — and we 
all joined him. Then he called the case. Johnny stated his side — told 
what the agreement was and how much he made. "Perk," without fur- 
ther testimony, said, "He ought to be paid." 

"D — n it," replied Osborne, "I'm ready to pay for what he has done, 
but I won't stand for the balance of it at fifty cents a rod." 

"Be jabers, ye will, or I'll knock the face off ye," interlarded Johnny. 

"Here, here!" shouted Perkins, as he jumped from his chair and 
threw off his coat; "you can't knock anybody's face of¥ in this court. 
Sit down, both of you." And they meekly complied. "Now, see here," 
he continued ; "you must compromise. Don't be a hog, Johnny. You can 
dig that ditch for thirty cents a rod, can't you ? And, Osborne, you are 
willing to pay that, ain't you ?" They nodded approval. "Well, let it go 
at that. And now let's take a drink on it." This they did also, and went 
their way, no costs assessed, pleased with "Perk's" manner of dis- 
pensing justice. 



*It was the custom then in constructing a fence to dig a ditch along the line two and a half 
feet deep by about the same in width and lay a thick coating of brush on the bank. Of course, 
there were no posts, lumber, or wire available in those days, and the ditch was the only alter- 
native. 





n 7 



EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 121 

During the summer and fall other settlers dropped in. Richardson, 
on the Dellwood place, Fred Babbe, on the Sellers quarter, and Fulton 
Sanders, at the old Iron House, Drake and Dean as neighbors. Later 
the Dobbinspecks sold their place and went to Napa. Dean left his 
location with Drake and went up on the creek and located, taking the 
peach-trees and planting them there, for Marsh's cattle at a later time 
to destroy. 

There had been attempts made to settle on other parts of the big 
ranch, but the discouragements were many. No fence laws to protect 
the crops from the cattle, the variable seasons, and the lack of building 
material were the handicaps that protected the Doctor in the peace- 
ful possession of his ranges ; and this continued until the commission- 
ers reduced his claim to three instead of thirty leagues, and its bound- 
aries were finally determined by the surveyor-general of the State. The 
ensuing years up to 1868 brought their annual influx of settlers, eager 
to avail themselves of the low-priced lands obtainable either at the 
double minimum price or to purchase the railroad land — the alternate 
sections — for five dollars an acre. 

Successful experiments had been made in raising wheat, and in 1868 
there was a bountiful crop ; but the ensuing year the rainfall was lighter, 
and in 1870 there was less — in fact, crops were a failure, with a single 
exception: Matt Burling had a piece of land plowed ready for the 
seed in the spring of 1869. Fearful of losing his high-priced seed, he 
held it back until the ensuing fall ; then he took his chances and put it 
in the dry fallow soil. The few inches of rain of the season of 1870 
were sufficient to start it, and it matured a generous crop without fur- 
ther moisture. But the secret of successful wheat-growing in eastern 
Contra Costa was solved — by thus concentrating the two seasons' rain- 
fall in one crop the subsequent failures were eliminated. 

The drought of 1 871, following the short rainfall of 1870, was disas- 
trous, particularly to those who were making their start in farming. 
Seed- wheat was selling at two and a half to three cents, hay was un- 
obtainable, and the stock were dying by thousands, sheep were unsale- 
able at seventy-five cents a head, and Sherman Island straw, coarse, 
woody, and laden with ashes, was readily saleable at twenty to twenty- 
five dollars a ton! But on Christmas day, 1871, the Lord opened his 
pluvial blessing, nor ceased until miniature cataracts were chasing each 



122 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

other down the sides of Mount Diablo, the rivers torrents, and the coun- 
try flooded. 

This resulted in a luxuriant harvest, and from that on v^^heat became 
the great staple. Landings v^ere constructed — one at Point of Timber, 
connecting by canal with Italian Slough, owned and controlled by 
farmers; another at the Iron House, by Fassett & McCauley — this 
landing was later abandoned because of a canal dug by Starr & Com- 
pany for Fred Babbe that connects with Dutch Slough, and is known 
as Babbe's Landing. Large shipments of wheat were made over the 
Marsh Landing, and Antioch became a veritable entrepot. The Grangers 
partially loaded one of their sea-going vessels there. The Tulare & San 
Pablo Railroad was completed in 1879, and stations were established at 
Antioch, Brentwood, and Byron. Warehouses were built to accommo- 
date the rapidly increasing production, Dean & Company building at 
Brentwood in 1880, and also at Byron in 1882. 

The towns above named became flourishing villages, schools were es- 
tablished, and accommodations extended by the construction of beauti- 
ful buildings; and finally a high-school district was organized and a 
building erected in Brentwood that in its location will ever be accepted 
as the monumental mistake of the trustees. 

It was not without a struggle that the wheat-growers of eastern Con- 
tra Costa attained to this degree of prosperity. In the earlier stages of 
the industry they were not only handicapped by the dry years, but by 
their lack of credit — their inability to obtain loans from the city banks, 
even at exorbitant rates of interest — and not until the organization of 
the Grange and the establishment of their own bank could they obtain 
a dollar from Moneybags. Sometimes a friendly broker would extend 
the grower some accommodation, but then it usually carried with it the 
privilege of handling his crop in the fall at a round commission. Not 
only this — he was also beset by conscienceless wheat-buyers and market 
manipulators working in combination to beat him, and with no trifling 
success. These efforts became so pronounced that the wheat-growers of 
the State were called to meet in convention in San Francisco for the 
purpose of forming a State Farmers' Union. While we were discussing 
the pros and cons of the situation, a man knocked for admission and 
asked to be heard. He was invited to the platform and introduced as 
Mr. Baxter. He stated that he was the representative of the National 




a^/^^t-n^o^^ 



EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 123 

Grange, and that his mission was to establish the organization on this 
coast. He explained its workings and object so satisfactorily that we 
gave willing ear, and when he advised us to go home and organize 
granges, and thus work together, and harmoniously, in our business and 
social affairs, we consented, and went to work enthusiastically. In a 
short time Baxter came up and instituted the Point of Timber Grange 
No. 14, with the following officers: R. G. Dean, master; M. A. Walton, 
overseer ; J. H. Baldwin, lecturer ; J. B. Henderson, steward ; A. Rich- 
ardson, assistant steward; A. Plumley, chaplain; Thomas McCabe, 
treasurer ; J. E. W. Casey, secretary ; Mrs. J. H. Baldwin, Ceres ; Mrs. 
C. M. Casey, Pomona; Mrs. J. B. Henderson, Flora; Mrs. J. E. W. 
Casey, stewardess. 

The specific object of the organization of the grange was to buy and 
sell direct — sell to the consumer and buy from the manufacturer, and 
eliminate the middleman. This we were anxious to do, as we were con- 
scious of being robbed, by being obliged to sell our wheat for $28 to 
$30 a ton, when it was worth from $60 to $65 in Liverpool. On investi- 
gation, we found that Isaac Friedlander, of San Francisco, was han- 
dling all the tonnage, chartering every wheat-carrier that entered the 
harbor, and that we could get no ships to transport our grain unless we 
outbid him. His plan was simple : engage the ship for about 24 shiUings 
($6) a ton, pay brokers $38 to $40 a ton f . o. b. ship, the wheat thus 
costing him $2.25, or not to exceed $2.30, a cental. "Now, Mr. Broker, 
you go into the country and buy the wheat as cheap as you can, and I 
will take all you can get at the above figures." The brokers districted 
the State, assigning a certain area to each, on an agreement not to 
compete against each other in buying. The growers were helpless, they 
could get but the one bid — that of their local buyer; he offered accord- 
ing to his whim — Monday, $1.40; Tuesday, $1.42^4 ; Wednesday, $1.45 
— and Thursday he was "out of the market." Saturday he was in again 
with an offer of $1.42^ ! The following week, finding that he was get- 
ting only the small lots that could not be held, owing to the necessities 
of the owner, he put the price to $1.47^ and $1.50, moving the bulk of 
the crop at that figure. Later, to persistent holders, he advanced the 
price until the last lots passed into his hands at $1.60. He could have 
paid this price for the whole crop and still have made a handsome prof- 
it, as he was receiving from Friedlander $2.25 or $2.30, and realizing a 



124 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

profit of from $5.00 to $15.00 per ton, while Friedlander himself was 
disposing of his cargoes afloat at a profit of equal amount. A revolt on 
the part of the wheat-growers from this condition of affairs was in- 
evitable. Is it any wonder that the wheat-growers and farmers flocked 
to the grange? It was their only avenue of escape from the clutch of 
the shipper and broker. 

The State Grange was organized, a bank was instituted, a business 
association estabUshed, and Mr. Wolcott, a highly connected broker 
from New York, was invited by the State Grange to establish himself 
in San Francisco in the grain trade and act as agent through whom the 
members would ship their wheat. He received the backing of the Lon- 
don & San Francisco Bank, which made the requisite advances on 
Grangers' cargoes, and we began to load his chartered ships. Of course, 
Friedlander and his friends resented this opposition and began to force 
up the price of tonnage. We authorized Wolcott to outbid him, and, 
standing on either side of a table in the Merchants Exchange, they bid 
a ship to 80 shillings ($20) a ton freight!— and the growers loaded it, 
receiving their advance of $25 a ton — and that's all they got. To the 
writer's knowledge, there was some eastern Contra Costa wheat on 
board of that vessel, but he had the satisfaction of assisting in breaking 
Friedlander's monopoly and in forcing him to compromise with his 
creditors on the basis of twenty cents on the dollar ; and, owing to the 
fact that vessels came competing for cargo and dropped their rates to 
16 shillings ($4) a ton, the writer was enabled to sell his wheat the en- 
suing season for $2.25 a cental in Babbe's Landing. After the Fried- 
lander episode growers received better prices for their wheat, although 
there were several attempts made to corner the market, but only with 
disastrous results, wherein some of them dropped their twenty-dollar 
pieces like rain in a spring shower. 

Irrigation at this era was beginning to receive public attention, but 
the riparian laws that had grown musty on our statute-books, and the 
vested rights under them that had become as fixtures in the pubhc mind, 
interfered with the free appropriation of water, and so much opposi- 
tion was manifested that it required political action and reconstruction 
on the part of the law-making power of the State to remove them. 
Hence, taking advantage of the drift of public opinion when the con- 
ventions of the two leading political parties met, resolutions were adopt- 



EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 125 

ed "favoring irrigation/' thus modestly but surely opening the way for 
the introduction of a plank. "Wherein we favor the amendment to the 
riparian law and indorse a general and comprehensive system of irriga- 
tion" was inserted. Thus committing the party to the proposition, any 
plausible scheme that might be introduced would be sure to meet with 
favor and be enacted into law. It was under these favorable conditions 
that a scheme was promoted to construct a canal from Tulare Lake to 
Antioch and irrigate the whole west side of the San Joaquin — and 
herein lies the historical reference to the project as significant of the 
influence of the Point of Timber Grange in defeating it. The proposi- 
tion originated at Greysonville. It was honestly conceived and honor- 
ably intended — simply for the land-owners along the route to associate 
themselves, assess their property, build the ditch, and own it themselves. 

Antioch and Point of Timber granges were notified and invited to 
participate. They responded by each sending delegates to attend the 
convention to be held at Greysonville, Captain Kimball from Antioch, 
and R. G. Dean et al. from the Point of Timber. The plan was freely 
discussed, estimates submitted, and much enthusiasm manifested when 
a committee was appointed to formulate a law under which the ditch 
could be constructed and which would be submitted to a subsequent 
convention for ratification. The delegates reported to their home 
granges, but Point of Timber treated the project with much indiffer- 
ence — wheat-growing had become profitable through the system of sum- 
mer-fallowing, and irrigation was not especially favored. With Antioch 
it was different. It was proposed to make the canal navigable for the 
transportation of freight on flat-bottomed barges, and Antioch was to 
be the outlet. J. P. Abbot, editor of the Antioch Ledger, Tom Carter, a 
contractor, and Frank Williams, a saloon-keeper, were especially en- 
thusiastic for its construction. At a subsequent convention the formu- 
lated law was considered, adopted, and a committee appointed to pre- 
sent it to the legislature. Its provisions were carefully considered and 
all interests guarded, and it permitted a vote of the districts (there being 
five) to adopt or reject. So we as land-owners felt safe, and quite re- 
gardless of its provisions returned to our plows. 

The measure was introduced as the West Side Land Owners' Irriga- 
tion Canal bill. From reading the legislative reports we noticed the bill 
was dragging, but that another — "The Scrivner Supplemental Bill" — 



126 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

had been introduced and was well on its way to its final passage. Chan- 
cing to meet Carter in San Francisco, the writer inquired : "Tom, how 
is the West Side scheme getting along?" Tom smiled as he repUed: 
"Oh, there's nothing in that bill ; but the other one is all right. We can 
make some money out of that; and, by the way, you are slated for one 
of the trustees." I was frightened, for the scheme of the supplemental 
bill flashed through my mind. Hurrying to the telegraph office I wired 
to a friend in Sacramento for a copy of the supplemental bill. It was in 
Antioch on my return, and, startled at its provisions, I hastened to call 
the grange in session to consider it. Promptly they appointed a com- 
mittee to visit Sacramento to defeat it. 

The committee found the bill had passed the lower house and had 
been sent to the senate, and by them referred to its judiciary commit- 
tee. An appeal was made to Senator Paul Shirley, but he would do 
nothing, as the "party was committed by its platform to assist irriga- 
tion, and this was the only bill that would pass." Assemblyman Charles 
Wood was surprised at our opposition; he "supposed we all favored 
the measure." He had procured some slight amendment and then voted 
for it. He must be "consistent," and could do nothing to help us. "Get 
us a hearing before the judiciary committee," we pleaded; but he was 
obdurate. Finally, through Senator Shirley, the committee gave us a 
hearing, and we argued strenuously against the iniquity, but to no pur- 
pose. Our last resort was the ear of Governor Irwin. He would not veto 
the measure, but he kindly consented to return it with the request that 
it be amended to provide for a survey and estimate of cost, also that 
the law be submitted to a vote of the people for confirmation or rejec- 
tion. That was sufficient ; the bill was amended, the survey was made, 
and the estimate of cost, which exceeded $3,500,000, submitted. The ex- 
pense of the survey was put up by Williams, and the State authorities 
would not reimburse him ; and when the vote was taken the law was 
voted down all along the Hne. This was a very narrow and fortunate 
escape from serious consequences, for had the bill become a law we 
would have been assessed out of all proportion for our share of the 
expense of construction, as our land was more valuable than that up the 
valley, and the probability is that no water would have reached here, 
owing to the insufficient supply. 

Long prior to the transition from the pastoral to the agricultural era 



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EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 127 

— long before Doctor Marsh had the opportunity to see thousands of 
acres of his big ranch a shimmering wheat-field, or to hear the drone 
of the leviathan-like threshing machine crawling over the fields, feed- 
ing into its insatiable maw the ripened grain, only to be thrown out in 
filled bags ready for delivery to the stations — ere he had seen this, other 
than in his optimistic dreams of the future, the Doctor had built for 
himself a massive stone dwelling, a fitting residence for the princely 
proprietor of his 13,316 acres. The site is an ideal one — in the portal of 
a pretty valley extending back into the hills. Facing the east, it posses- 
ses a commanding view of the plain, even as far as the eye can reach 
across the tule delta, fringed by century-old oaks and skirted by a 
willow- fringed creek with a living stream of water. But ere he had an 
opportunity to occupy this palatial structure, so like in its style of ar- 
chitecture and in its manorial proportions some old English residence, 
the Doctor was murdered — assassinated by the ruthless hand of a 
drunken Mexican vaquero. 

The inherited ranch remained in the family for several years, the 
stock was gradually disposed of, and finally it was purchased by a 
promoter, one Jack Williams, backed principally by the Sanford family 
of New York. Williams' plan was to open up the coal vein that was 
known to exist on the ranch, build a railroad to Marsh Landing, where 
there was deep water- frontage on the river, and establish a shipping 
point and a manufacturing center. The scheme was an ambitious one, 
and practical, provided the coal mine developed. Williams organized 
the Brentwood Coal Company; he secured two sections of land adja- 
cent to the landing, erected a substantial wharf extending to deep wa- 
ter, opened the coal measure with a double-compartment working shaft, 
supplied expensive hoisting machinery, built boarding- and tenement- 
houses for the miners, employed an expensive expert engineer, and 
spent money lavishly. Things were booming for a while — but alas for 
the result ! The coal vein was found to be narrow, it lay deep under the 
surface, was of inferior quality, and the water flowed into the shaft in 
great volume. The bubble burst. Jack dropped out of sight. Sanford 
came out and took over the Brentwood Coal Company's efifects and as- 
sumed the debt due to the Clay Street Bank, from which a heavy loan 
had been obtained. Taxes were unpaid, interest defaulted, and some 
other claims pressing, and finally the ranch was sold for taxes and 



128 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

bought in by the Clay Street Bank and ownership asserted. M. B. Ivory 
was placed in possession as superintendent and agent, Sanford insti- 
tuted suit, and years of expensive litigation followed. 

In the meantime, the big ranch was let to tenant farmers on the basis 
of one-third and one-quarter of the crop delivered in sack at the vy^are- 
house as rent, and the proceeds went into the coffers of the bank. One 
by one the litigants and lawyers died, until there was but one of the 
claimants left. To her. Miss Josephine Sanford, the property was final- 
ly awarded. The bank was ousted under the plea of having held the 
property in trust; hence it was compelled to give an accounting. The 
bank's original claim was for a loan of $150,000, to which was added 
some $50,000 more, paid to quiet title. The rentals had been paid to the 
bank for sixteen years, averaging not less than $30,000, aggregating 
$480,000. And still the bank asserted a claim of over $600,000 against 
the estate ! This was finally adjusted, and a claim of $220,000 allowed. 

Balfour, Guthrie & Company advanced this sum to Miss Sanford, 
and R. G. Dean was placed in charge of the ranch as superintendent 
and manager ; but within a short period Miss Sanford passed away, and 
then another eleven years of litigation ensued. But it was eventually 
settled by partition, and finally the Los Meganos, or Marsh ranch, 
passed by purchase to its present owners, Balfour, Guthrie & Company, 
who have inaugurated the extensive system of concrete-lined canals, 
electric pumping-stations, and distributing ditches, covering the entire 
area of the irrigable section of the ranch, and capable of watering twen- 
ty thousand acres. This is the key that will unlock the Aladdin-like 
riches imprisoned in its generous soil and enable the historians to write 
a new and interesting page on the agricultural resources of eastern 
Contra Costa County, covering the wealth and variety of its products. 
Already the fiat of change has gone forth — 2000 acres of alfalfa, 1500 
acres of sugar beets, and orchards of walnuts — and this is only a be- 
ginning for this favored section. 

Where no sea-fogs come to linger, 
Where no blizzards dare intrude, 
Where no ghastly icy finger 
Touches bloom, or plant, or frond. 
Where with water, soil and sun 
Kindly Nature will respond 
In multiples for everyone. 



EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 129 

The foregoing is but an epitome of the past. There are many interest- 
ing details of personal experience of the first settlers — their discourage- 
ments, their strenuous efforts to make headway against adverse condi- 
tions, the inroads of the cattle by which they were surrounded, the dry 
and rainless years that sometimes came in pairs, like 1870 and 1871, 
the deluge of 1862 and 1872, necessitating loans and mortgages at ex- 
orbitant rates of interest, usually two per cent per month and difficult 
to obtain at that rate, frequently followed by the sheriff and a change 
of ownership. But eventually the day of the mortgage and the fear of 
the sheriff passed, thanks to Mathias Burlingen, who discovered and 
exemplified the system of cultivation of the cereals by "summer fallow,'* 
or more widely known as *'dry farming." 

That portion of the delta region within the limits of Contra Costa 
County is not without its history of experimental farming and reclama- 
tion that resulted in alternate failure and success of the various owners 
during its half-century of occupancy. The Jersey Island, the Sand 
Mound District, the Byron Tract, Clifton Court, and the margin on our 
northern front extending from Babbe's Landing to Marsh Landing, 
each has a distinctive record that in the story of their reclamation would 
be interesting reading ; and perhaps when the history of the great delta 
— composed of many thousands of acres, once a pestilential and mos- 
quito-breeding swamp, now reclaimed by massive levees, surrounded 
by deep-channeled waterways, crossed by railroads and cemented high- 
ways, dotted with packing-houses and manufacturing plants, beautiful 
homes and villages, its wealth of products poured by trainloads into 
hungry Eastern markets — is written it will be perused with absorbing 
interest as a story of achievement, of failures and disappointments, of 
disaster by fire and flood, conquered and controlled by indefatigable 
and persistent effort, a story of man's mastery over the forces of Na- 
ture never excelled even in the fabled achievements of the gods. Many 
abortive attempts were made at farming ''the tules," and one, not with- 
out its amusing side, was that of a party of Kentuckians in the early 
seventies. A wealthy and enthusiastic resident of that State returned 
home after a successful money-making career in California, poured in- 
to willing ears the story of the wonderful richness of the tule islands. 
He had invested largely in them under the Swamp and Overflowed 
Land Act, which in its favorable conditions enabled a party to acquire 



130 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

title simply by reclaiming them. He induced a company of young men — 
clerks, bank employees, and visionaries, who had never soiled their 
hands at hard labor — to come out here and get rich by farming the 
tules. Their plan was to employ Chinamen to build a peat levee along 
the river-bank, burn the tules and meadow-grass, and sow wheat in the 
ashes. There was little work for them to do — principally to oversee the 
Chinamen, and this they did by sitting on the levee smoking their pipes, 
in great glee. "How is it possible, Mr. D., that you, an old resident 
here, allowed this opportunity to escape you?" they asked the writer 
when visiting them while engaged in their fortune-building enterprise. 
My reply was not a boost to their enthusiasm, and they smilingly regret- 
ted my ignorance of the conditions. 

But wheat does not mature here until July, and June is the month 
when "Old Sol" sends down his rays in melting temperatures. The 
snow usually lies deep on the Sierras at this season of the year, and 
melts freely, pouring its ever-increasing volume of water into the rivers, 
raising them to flooding heights, originally inundating the entire tule 
delta. That promising wheat-field had to run the gauntlet of the June 
freshets. They came in full proportion, floating their dried and sponge- 
like levees away bodily, and a few days later the beautiful wheat-field 
that was to be an object lesson to illustrate to the California farmer not 
only the fertility of the peat land, but how easily it could be reclaimed 
and cultivated, was the rich feeding-ground for a million, more or less, 
of mallard ducks. The sadly disappointed Kentuckians did not stay to 
repeat their folly, but "folded their tents like the Arabs, and as silently 
stole away." The object lesson was not lost, however. It was found that 
a heavier material than peat must be used and larger and higher levees 
constructed than was possible to build by hand labor. Hence the clam- 
shell dredge, with its hundred-foot boom, was brought into requisition 
and the problem of permanent reclamation of the delta was solved. 

In the early fifties the great tule swamp was a terra incognita, ex- 
posed only along the watercourses and the front, where it joined the 
upland. The rank growth of tules, higher in places than horse and rider, 
and its floating meadows were a barrier to its occupancy for any prac- 
tical purpose. Sand mounds, many acres in extent, above the highest 
water-levels, were the home and breeding ground for a band of elk, 
found and exterminated by market hunters. They pursued a profitable 



EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 131 

industry in trapping otter and beaver, to a final extermination of these 
also. 

There is another section of the eastern slope that has not been espe- 
cially referred to, but which is worthy of mention, as its historical ante- 
cedents date back aeons of time, perhaps to that period when the pil- 
lared ruins of Karnac lay unchiseled in their quarries and the Pyramids 
were an undeveloped dream in the minds of the Pharaohs. Reference 
is made to the sand belt commonly known as the "Sand and Live Oak 
District." The writer has a theory that this district was once a great 
sand bar covering many sections. Its western apex near Antioch and its 
eastern near Brentwood, created by the rotary action of water that cov- 
ered it to a great depth — in fact, an island lake whose waters washed 
the foothills of the parallel ranges, and extended for three hundred 
miles in a northerly and southerly direction. That there was a rotary 
current in this lake, caused by the prevailing trade winds that sweep 
southward along the eastern foothills of the Mount Diablo range, cre- 
ating a current strongly accelerated by the inflow of a thousand streams, 
from the Sierra watershed, extending from Mount Whitney to Mount 
Shasta, thus forcing a current to flow northward on the east side and 
southward on the west side. These currents running in opposite direc- 
tions on each side by the lake received an increasing momentum from 
the Sacramento and its tributaries, and in its ceaseless rotary action 
created a great central eddy that deposited its sand and silt and built up 
a huge middle ground, or sand-bar, which the receding water left bare 
after cutting its way through the barrier of hills at Port Costa, admit- 
ting the ocean tides that in their ebb and flow ultimately wore deep the 
waterway of the Straits of Carquinez. 

We allege that the sand plains of Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Merced, Ma- 
dera, and Fresno counties, are evidence of the existence oi the great 
body of fresh water whose waves rolled over them in slowly shoaling 
depth as the lake gradually receded, spreading the sandy deposits of the 
streams that were carried far out into the lake, leaving it to be smoothed 
into level areas miles and miles in extent by the action of the water. 
Of course, this valley occupied by the lake was created by the upheaval 
of the Diablo Range long subsequent to the upheaval of the Sierras, as 
evidenced by the system of dead rivers that came down from the north- 
west, cross-cutting the Sierras, the broken and distorted channels of 



132 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



which the miner's pick developed, and sections of which are found 
thousands of feet above the present sea-level. It was the water-worn, 
smooth gold found in the ravines and gulches, and covered deep in the 
gravel beds of the hydraulic claims that was spilled from the old chan- 
nels of these torrential streams when they were broken up and de- 
stroyed by the later upheaval. The great sand bar in Contra Costa Coun- 
ty was finally left exposed by the gradually receding lake, its smooth 
and drifting surface to be eroded by summer winds into mounds and 
depressions until kindly Nature stopped the process by covering it with 
a dense growth of unyielding chamisal brush and a fringe of live-oaks. 
In this condition it was found by the early settlers — the hiding-place of 
wild animals. 

In 1854 Fred Babbe and a party killed a grizzly bear in the chamisal 
and secured one of its cubs, which the writer saw chained to the tent- 
stake of Fulton Sanders; and he himself surprised a couple of half- 
grown California lions near the edge of the brush, and, being on 
horseback, drove them into a tree. Having no rifle, he spread his saddle- 
blanket under the tree, supposing that would hold them, but on his re- 
turn with his gun they were gone ; the mother lion, probably being near 
by, had called them down. And even at this date there was a band of 
thirty or forty head of cattle, wilder than deer, that found refuge in the 
brush, venturing out only at night for food and water, returning to 
their shelter with the first break of dawn. It was exciting sport for a 
couple of horsemen to conceal themselves in the edge of the brush pear 
the O'Brien place and await the cattle coming in, and, when sufficiently 
close, rush out and lasso or shoot down a fat two- or three-year-old. 

Sixty-two years have wrought a wonderful change in the old sand- 
bar. There is little evidence remaining of former primitive conditions. 
In the spring it is an immense bouquet of particolored bloom of fruit- 
trees and almonds. It is seamed with thoroughfares. A transcontinental 
railroad furnishes transportation for its many carloads of products, 
and its industries support the flourishing village of Oakley — one of the 
most pretentious of all the growing trade centers of Contra Costa 
County. 



CHAPTER XIII 
DOCTOR JOHN MARSH 

BY R. G. DEAN 

Contra Costa County's history would not be complete unless it gave 
prominence to the man around whose name clusters so much of histori- 
cal interest — to one of its earlier and most intelligent pioneers — to the 
man who paved the "way for future empires" and whose acts and ut- 
terances appear to us to have been inspirational and prophetic. It is to 
Doctor John Marsh the country, and particularly Contra Costa County, 
owes a debt of gratitude which it can never repay, even though it in- 
scribe his name high on the roll of honor and write its acknowledgment 
in letters of gold into the tomes of history. When the destiny of our 
Golden State was hanging in the balance, when the question of its re- 
maining a Mexican province or becoming a part of United States terri- 
tory was being debated, when Daniel Webster from his seat in the Sen- 
ate was thundering his stentorian invectives against the confirmation of 
its purchase, asserting that the "whole country west of the Rocky 
Mountains was an arid waste that a crow could starve to death to fly 
over," it was the historical letters of Doctor Marsh addressed to the 
Honorable Lewis Cass, then Secretary of State, that largely influenced 
him to close the deal and take over California with its eight hundred 
miles of coast line. Had he done no more than this, the great service 
was monumental and deserving of our highest consideration. 

Quoting from one of the Doctor's letters, under date of 1846, where- 
in he referred to the productive capabilities of the wonderful land, he 
said : 'The agricultural resources of California are but imperfectly de- 
veloped, the whole is remarkably adapted to the cultivation of the vine", 
olive, and figs, and almonds grow well. It is the finest country for wheat 
I have ever seen ; fifty for one is an average crop with very imperfect 
cultivation, a hundred- fold is not uncommon, and even one hundred and 
fifty has been produced." When we reflect that these words were writ- 
ten nearly seventy years ago, when California was an unbroken wilder- 



134 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ness; when these broad plains were the undisturbed stamping-ground 
of vast herds of elk, antelope, wild cattle, and wilder mustangs ; when 
the only homes were the scattered missions and the haciendas of the 
cattle barons, and the only commerce a limited traffic in hides and tal- 
low, we are impressed with the inspirational and prophetic character of 
the statement, and at once credit the Doctor with being a far-sighted 
and practical observer. 

He had drifted into this summer land of the Pacific imbued, no doubt, 
with a wanderlust, a love of primitive conditions, and the unrestrained 
freedom of the frontier, although he had tasted of Boston estheticism 
and culture, having graduated from Harvard. He knew the country 
from Yuma to the Oregon line, but, ignoring the opportunity of select- 
ing a location in other parts of the country, had with excellent judg- 
ment chosen the eastern portion of Contra Costa for his future home. 
He had with truly prophetic instinct looked forward to the day when 
this broad domain would be under the protection of his native flag, 
when the great watercourses of the State would beat as throbbing ar- 
teries with life and commerce, when great and growing cities would be 
planted along their margins, or seated by the Golden Gate, watching the 
full-freighted argosies of the world riding in imperial splendor upon 
the bosom of the magnificent bay, represented by every national em- 
blem. Undoubtedly, he had pictured to himself the incoming tide of 
humanity, rising higher and higher in the great West, flowing with 
steady and irresistible sweep across the great plains, until, stopped, by 
the Western ocean, it would eddy and flow back into the valleys, over 
these "arid wastes," and along the sunny slopes, until California would 
become a great, populous, and wealthy state. 

Hides and tallow, as articles of export, he saw would be relegated 
to the past and other enterprises and industries engross the attention of 
the coming multitude. Then the vision of limitless wheat-fields with 
their "hundred-fold" waving a ripening luxuriance in these fertile val- 
leys, the vine-clad hills and olive orchards, and caught in the summer 
wind the fragrance of almond-blossoms. It was no Utopian dream — his 
prophecy has long since passed to its fulfillment, and its verification jus- 
tifies the judgment of the Doctor in the selection of his home. 

Here, under the shadow of Mount Diablo, in a sequestered spot, 
shaded by grand old oaks that stand like sentinels, at the very portal of 



DOCTOR JOHN MARSH 135 

one of the most romantic and picturesque canadas of the State, he lo- 
cated and builded his home. The building itself is a prototype of the 
man — grand in its outlines, massive in its manorial proportions, solid as 
the enduring hills by which it was surrounded. Here he was content to 
sit down and bide his time when the surging tide of immigration that 
was eddying around him, turned by natural barriers from its path, re- 
turned to seek beside himself the advantage that he had considered so 
fully years before. It came ere he was aware, clamorous for his acres, 
restricting him to the lines of his original concession. 

Then some careless or designing hand scattered wheat upon the soil, 
and lo! the scene changed as by the touch of an enchanter's wand. 
Wheat-fields pressing upon and overspreading the limits of his grant 
were spoken into existence and their yield was indeed "fifty and an 
hundred-fold." No vision or prophecy was ever more truthfully ful- 
filled, and at this writing, if the Doctor were alive, he could see the 
sunlight reflected from the sheen of emerald fields and glinting cottages 
through clumps of shade-trees that mark the habitations of prosperous 
cultivators of the single cereal. 

More than this, he could see the thriving town of Brentwood on his 
ranch, with all its concomitants of hotels, stores, business houses, 
churches, and schools — a smart, enterprising, and progressive people, 
who have built in the fullest confidence of the future prosperity of this 
locality. And, if the Doctor so desired, he could see from his own door 
the passing trains that haul their unbroken cargoes from ocean to ocean, 
or bear their passengers in hurrying cars to and fro from all parts of the 
world, and read his daily paper three hours from the press. Probably 
his greatest surprise would be to see the elaborate system of canals cre- 
ated and completed for irrigating the beautiful valley and the hundreds 
of acres of alfalfa to which it has been seeded, and to note the spirit 
of change that is weaving its silken web over the destinies of the ranch, 
of which, notwithstanding his remarkable foresight, he could scarcely 
have dreamed, or its possibilities, as developed by the modern system 
of scientific farming by the application of water to the soil, to intensify 
production and render its happy possessor independent of the variable 
seasons and the drought, thus yielding in multiples beyond the visionary 
estimates. 



CHAPTER XIV 

MOUNT DIABLO 

Mount Diablo deserves and shall have a special chapter all to itself. 
Occupying almost the exact center of Contra Costa County, this moun- 
tain is one of the most conspicuous landmarks of the State. Its prom- 
inence arises not from its size — for it is but 3896 feet in height — but 
from its isolation. It is the only peak of any prominence in Contra 
Costa County, rearing its head above all the surrounding hills. 

Whence arose the name Mount Diablo? The following version was 
given in a report to the legislature in 1850, by General Vallejo, that ex- 
cellent authority on Calif orniana, quoted in a previous chapter: 

"In 1806 a military expedition from San Francisco marched against 
the tribe 'Bolgones,' who were encamped at the foot of the mount ; the 
Indians were prepared to receive the expedition, and a hot engagement 
ensued in the large hollow fronting the western side of the mount ; as 
the victory was about to be decided in favor of the Indians, an un- 
known personage, decorated with the most extraordinary plumage, and 
making divers movements, suddenly appeared near the combatants. The 
Indians were victorious, and the incognito (puy) departed toward the 
mount. The defeated soldiers, on ascertaining that the spirit went 
through the same ceremony daily and at all hours, named the mount 
'Diablo,' in allusion to its mysterious inhabitant, that continued thus to 
make his appearance until the tribe was subdued by the troops in com- 
mand of Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga, in a second campaign of the same 
year. In the aboriginal tongue 'puy' signifies 'evil spirit' ; in Spanish it 
means 'diablo,' and doubtless it signifies 'devil' in the Anglo-American 
language." 

Referring to Mount Diablo, in the same report General Vallejo said: 
"It was intended so to call the county, but both branches of the legisla- 
ture, after warm debates on the subject (the representatives of the 
county opposing the said name), resolved on the less profane one of 
'Contra Costa'." 







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MOUNT DIABLO 1 37 

There are at least half a dozen other legends woven around Mount 
Diablo. A tale which is said to have been culled from the archives of 
one of the old missions is about as follows : When, in 1769, the Spanish 
padres came to found missions among the aborigines, the Indians 
brought them gifts of gold nuggets from a high mountain not far from 
San Francisco Bay. This peak, according to their traditions, had once 
belched forth fire and smoke. The padres, fearing that gold might prove 
"the root of all evil" to these primitive people, determined to forestall 
further search for the precious metal. Secretly poisoning all the gold in 
their possession, the padres placed it in a tub of water, from which they 
bade the Indians make their dogs drink. When all the dogs died the 
superstitious fear of the Indians was aroused and they were diverted 
from using gold as a medium of exchange and never again sought it in 
the mountains. Thenceforth the mountain from which the gold was ob- 
tained became known as Monte Diablo, or Devil's Mountain. 

Still another story comes from the pen of Bret Harte. He relates that 
the worthy padre from the old mission San Pablo climbed the now his- 
toric promontory, seeking new converts, or striving in some similar 
manner to extend the dominion of the church. On reaching the summit 
he encountered no less a personage than the Evil One himself in the 
corporeal form of a gigantic bear. Changing from bear to human form 
in a most disconcerting manner, the demon attacked the padre and all 
but slew him. When the padre escaped and related his unusual experi- 
ence, the mountain was named El Monte Diablo. 

With one more tale we will leave the domain of legend and take up 
the later aspects of Mount Diablo. The following account is quoted in 
full from an early historical work : "The mountain is also said to take 
its name from a marvelous phenomenon witnessed amongst its wild and 
precipitous gorges, at a time when, in the language of an old trapper, 
'Injuns war plenty and white women war not.' It is related that once, 
in an expedition against the horse-thief tribes who inhabited the valley 
of the San Joaquin, as far down as the base of the mountain, the native 
Calif ornians came up with a party of the freebooters, laden with the 
spoils of a hunt, and immediately gave chase, driving them up the steep 
defiles which form the ascent of the mountain on one side. Elated with 
the prospect of securing and meting out punishment to the robbers, they 
were pressing hard after them, when lo ! from a cavernous opening in 



138 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

their path there issued forth such fierce flames, accompanied by so ter- 
rible a roaring that, thinking themselves within a riata's throw of the 
principal entrance to his Infernal Majesty's summer palace, the aston- 
ished rancheros, with many 'Carajos !' and 'Carambas!' and like pro- 
fane ejaculations, forgot their hostile errand and, turning tail, scam- 
pered down the mountain faster than they had gone up. Reciting the ad- 
venture to their fellow-rancheros on their return, it was unanimously 
agreed that the Devil and his chief steward had fixed their abode in the 
mountain and, in compliment to the great original dealer in hoof and 
horns, they gave the present name of Mount Diablo to the scene of their 
late terrific exploit and discomfiture. As for the Indians, who, as they 
declared, all mysteriously disappeared as the flames rose in view, of 
course the Dons afterwards insisted that they were the favored children 
of the Devil r 

Mount Diablo was once a volcano. The outline of part of the crater 
can still be traced, and bits of lava and igneous rock can be found in 
the canons from the top of this picturesque peak to the bottom. 

The central mass of Mount Diablo is composed of metamorphic sand- 
stone, and is about six miles long and one and a half miles wide. Large 
quantities of jasper rock filled with fine quartz are found near the sum- 
mit. Throughout are found a considerable amount of other minerals, 
including serpentine and siliceous slate. 

In reality Mount Diablo comprises two peaks, which can be viewed 
to best advantage from the northwest or southeast. The two peaks ^re 
about three miles apart, the southwestern peak comprising Mount Di- 
ablo proper. The other mount is known as the North Peak, and is about 
two hundred and sixty feet lower than Mount Diablo. 

Innumerable oyster-shells and petrified shell-fish, resembling those 
now found on the shores of the Atlantic, are scattered about its sum- 
mit, all of which indicate that long ago Mount Diablo occupied the 
floor of the ocean instead of its present eminence. 

The summit of Mount Diablo was selected in 1876 as the initial point 
for a continental triangulation survey. A station was established by 
Professor Davidson, of the Coast Survey party, after taking careful 
measurements to establish a base-line of eleven miles on the plains of 
Yolo County. The transcontinental survey established an absolutely ac- 
curate basis for future surveys by the United States. 



MOUNT DIABLO 139 

The view from the top of the mountain is awe-inspiring. A grand 
panorama, covering not less than forty thousand square miles, or an 
area nearly equal to the State of New York, is spread out before the 
beholder. A scope of country four hundred miles from north to south 
is plainly visible on a clear day. Away to the west is the broad Pacific. 
To the east the view extends to the very crest of the Sierras. It is an ex- 
cellent point from which to study the topography of a large portion of 
CaUfornia, from twelve to fifteen counties often being visible. The vast 
interior valley of the State appears like a relief map. The most northern 
point visible is Lassen's Buttes, two hundred miles distant, and Mount 
Hamilton, upon which is located the Lick observatory, is discernible in 
the south. Each time the eye encircles the horizon new scenes and ad- 
ded grandeur are discovered. Turning again to the east, one beholds the 
Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, with their magnificent rivers. On 
the south the broad expanse of San Francisco Bay comes into view. 
Across the bay to the west lies San Francisco, enthroned, like Rome, 
among her hills, her streets plainly visible. A nearer view discloses 
Yerba Buena Island, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate. Close at hand is 
San Pablo Bay and all its inlets. Out upon the Pacific the eye rests upon 
the Farallones de las Grayles, twenty miles beyond the Golden Gate. 
Reverting to the north, Martinez, the Straits of Carquinez, Benicia, 
Vallejo, and Mare Island swing into view. One might multiply this de- 
scription indefinitely, but the foregoing will suffice as a partial deline- 
ation of the magnitude of the view from this summit. Those who care 
to gain first-hand information will find a journey to the top of Mount 
Diablo distinctly worth while. 

Due largely to the energy of one man, R. N. Burgess, a Contra Costa 
product, the Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, now winds to the top by 
easy stages, and it is not a difficult matter to climb this historic peak. 
Mr. Burgess saw the wonderful possibiHties for home-building in the 
picturesque vales that nestle about Mount Diablo. He interested New 
York capitalists, and they invested $1,095,000, founding the Mount 
Diablo Villa Homes Association, which controls the Mount Diablo es- 
tate of ten thousand acres. These men say that the next few years will 
see ten thousand people living in magnificent villas among the shelter- 
ing crags of old Mount Diablo. Their plans also include an appropriate- 
ly designed tavern, in which cloisters and stairways will be the domi- 



140 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

nant note, clinging to the very top of the mountain. Closely following 
the contour of the peak, from a distance the buildings will appear to be 
a part of the mountain itself. Towering over all will be an observatory 
with a large telescope. To those who gaze through the giant lens the 
beautiful surrounding country will seem to be close at hand. 

And now we will leave Mount Diablo with an observation that pos- 
sibly should have been made earHer in the chapter — that the grizzled 
old sentinel was first seen by white men in the remote days of 1772. 
Father Juan Crespi, friend and associate of Father Junipero Serra, the 
mission builder, first glimpsed its peak while exploring San Francisco 
Bay, after that great harbor was discovered from the land side by Don 
Caspar de Portola. Father Crespi was accompanied by Captain Don 
Pedro Fagis, of the Presidio of Monterey. 

The late S. J. Bennett, of Martinez, in the late '70s drove the first 
stage that ever reached the top of this mountain. The road at that time 
was kept in good condition, the expenses of its up-keep being defrayed 
with the toll exacted from passengers and teams. Up the mountain 
slopes on either side were groves of oak and pine, and at times they 
were green with chaparral. As one continued to ascend, the declivities 
became more bold and broken. Making up the sides were many wild 
glens, dark with vines and shrubbery. At an elevation of twenty-five 
hundred feet was a neat, well-kept hotel, open the year around, with 
good accommodations for travelers. Parties could leave their teams 
here, and, if they desired to do so, could make the remainder of the way 
to the top on foot. However, in the early days there was no difficulty in 
reaching the summit with a good team. At about five hundred feet from 
the top was a never-faiUng spring of pure soft water. 

Besides grand old Mount Diablo, there are other peaks of considerable 
elevation: Rocky Mound, 1921 feet, and Redwood Peak, 1635 feet high, 
both in the range of Contra Costa Hills; Bushy Knob, 1742 feet, and 
Gray's Peak, 1921 feet. 



CHAPTER XV 

SUMMARY OF THE COUNTY'S RESOURCES 

As THE tourist or globe-trotter stands on the deck of the ocean liner 
passing through the famous portals of the Golden Gate from the broad 
and trackless Pacific and enters the harbor of San Francisco, his gaze 
rests upon a high range of hills on the eastern shore of the bay — hills 
at whose feet cities teeming with the life of commerce and trade have 
been built. Huge oil-tanks give notice of the location near by of the 
greatest oil refineries in the West; and the smoke boiling upward 
from hundreds of tall chimneys tells its own story of the prosperity 
and commercial advantages which this region possesses. 

The eye of the traveler has fallen on Contra Costa County, bordered 
along its entire seventy miles of water-front with busy factories 
almost surrounding a prosperous interior region of fertile valleys, 
vine-clad hills, and well-kept orchards. Dotted here and there are the 
thriving interior towns, connected by rapid-transit steam and electric 
railway lines. Along the northern and eastern boundary tranquilly 
flow the waters of the mighty San Joaquin. Standing guard over all, 
and towering high above the plain, is historic, romantic Mount Diablo. 

Second in industrial wealth and importance in the State, foremost 
in the production of structural materials, and supplying the finest 
wines and fruits on the market, Contra Costa County stands pre- 
eminent among her fifty-seven sister counties. Rapidly overhauling 
San Francisco, her only rival for manufacturing supremacy, it is only 
a question of time until Contra Costa shall occupy first place in this 
field. The manufacturing interests of Richmond alone exceed those of 
most of the big cities of the coast ; Martinez will soon be in the same 
position, and Pittsburg leads many of the other cities of the State. 

As the new manufacturing era begins to dawn for the Pacific Coast, 
and especially for the San Francisco Bay region. Contra Costa County 
will develop faster than ever industrially. To this region will come the 
greatest plants to be found in the West. That this is no idle prophecy 



142 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



is shown by the immense factories already located in Contra Costa 
County. 

Among the peculiar and distinctive advantages that Contra Costa 
County possesses for manufacturing and commercial enterprises, is 
the deep water- frontage along its shore line, where the largest ocean- 
going ships can be accommodated at all times. Paralleling the shore are 
two great transcontinental railroads, the Southern Pacific and the 
Santa Fe, with a maximum of sixty-three trains daily. Thus Contra 
Costa County is assured of the best transportation facilities by both 
land and water. Surrounded on three sides by water, which insures a 
temperate climate, this section also enjoys cheap river transportation. 
The eastern shores bathe in the fresh waters of the San Joaquin, 
while on the north and west are the salt waters of San Francisco Bay. 
For two dollars a ton fruit is carried from Martinez to San Francisco, 
a distance of thirty-five miles, the rivers steamers giving practically an 
express service. Fruit picked at five o'clock in the evening is delivered 
in San Francisco early the following morning. 

The eastern section of the county is rapidly responding to two vast 
improvement projects — irrigation and reclamation. The irrigation ac- 
tivities have been described at length in another portion of this work. 
A large part of the reclaimed land of the delta of the San Joaquin is 
in Contra Costa County. These delta lands repeat in California the 
story of productivity of the deltas of the Nile, the Euphrates, and the 
Mississippi. Reclamation is effected by levees built by clam-shell dredg- 
ers, immense machines operated by steam-engines and equipped with 
electric plants and powerful search-lights, enabling the work to go 
forward night and day. The levees average a height of fourteen feet 
and a width of a hundred and twenty-five feet at the base. The crops 
are irrigated by water carried over the levee by siphons. When the 
irrigation is completed the surplus water is thrown back into the stream 
by immense pumps worked by electric power. In the process of levee 
construction navigable channels are cut around every island. The 
crops are marketed by river boats and barges at low transportation 
cost. On these lands are grown two-thirds of the potatoes, beans, 
onions, celery, and asparagus produced in the State. As grass-lands, 
for hay and forage, they have no equal. At many points dairying is an 
established industry of long standing, and the reputation of the delta 



SUMMARY OF THE COUNTY'S RESOURCES 143 

butter is wide-spread. It is safe to say that reclamation activities of the 
future will far exceed those of the past, bringing under cultivation 
large tracts of hitherto unproductive lands. 

In the interior section of the county are a dozen or more fertile 
and picturesque valleys, in which are grown the choicest orchard fruits 
and the finest variety of grapes. The famous San Ramon Valley and 
the Alhambra, Pacheco, Ygnacio, and Clayton valleys in reality com- 
prise one large valley, continuous for about thirty miles, and varying 
in width from one-half to fifteen miles. It is supposed that a broad arm 
of the bay once penetrated this section, as the lands are sedimentary 
and very rich, with a fine depth of soil. Here are found the large 
orchards of pears, prunes, peaches, almonds, apricots, and walnuts. The 
valley region also includes the smaller and separate Stone, San Pablo, 
Pinole, Rodeo, Franklin, and Briones valleys. These valleys are also 
quite rich and are all well watered by running streams. A portion of the 
great San Joaquin Valley is in eastern Contra Costa County, where its 
average width is about twenty miles. Sloping gently from Mount 
Diablo to the San Joaquin River, it adds sixty thousand acres to the 
alluvial soil of that region. Some of the best farming lands of the 
county are found there. Some of the choicest and coziest home spots 
in the entire county are in the valley region. 

Exceptional school advantages are to be found in Contra Costa 
County. The county now maintains seven union high schools, as fol- 
lows: The Liberty Union High School, at Brentwood; the Riverview 
High School, at Antioch ; the Mount Diablo High School, at Concord ; 
the San Ramon Valley High School, at Danville ; the Alhambra High 
School, at Martinez; the John Swett High School, at Crockett; and 
the Richmond High School, at Richmond. Provision is made for the 
cost of educating children who do not live in any high-school district. 
It is now possible for a child in any part of the county to obtain a 
high-school education without cost or unusual hardship. 

Keeping pace with all other sections of the country, the active ex- 
ponents of the good- roads movement are working with enthusiasm 
to bring the roads of the county to the highest state of perfection. 
Their success is attested by numerous scenic boulevards in the various 
sections of the county. While much remains to be done, the movement 
received a great impetus from the location of the State highway 



144 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



through the county. The activity of the various towns in street improve- 
ments has also contributed largely toward the making of better roads. 
Each year sees more and more automobile travel, which has been so 
great a factor in bringing good roads throughout the land. 

In taking leave of Contra Costa County the writer craves the indul- 
gence of the reader if he has at times appeared to resort to a large 
extent in superlatives. Nothing short of superlatives will serve in de- 
scribing many of the fields in which this section excels. Emerging 
from a romantic background, beginning in the days of the old Spanish 
Dons, her commercial rise has largely been achieved in the past dozen 
years. Who shall say what the next decade shall bring ? 



CHAPTER XVI 

EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 

The People vs. Wempett and Wampett. — On September 28, 1850, 
two Indians named Wempett and Wampett were found guilty of man- 
slaughter by a jury, and sentenced to pay a fine of one dollar and two 
weeks' imprisonment, but who their victim was, or what were the cir- 
cumstances of the case, the records do not divulge. 

Murder of Aparicio Morales. — On May 29, 1852, Jose Antonio, an 
Indian, stabbed Aparicio Morales at or near the residence of Doctor 
Tennent in Pinole, from the effects of which Morales died. Antonio was 
duly tried before C. P. Hester, district judge, found guilty July 9, 1852, 
and sentenced to be hanged. He was executed August 20, 1852. He was 
hanged from the limb of a sycamore tree in the suburbs of the village of 
Martinez. A barrel was placed in an old cart, and the condemned man 
required to stand on that ticklish foundation while the rope was adjust- 
ed. The cart was finally driven away, and the poor fellow tumbled off 
the barrel and into eternity. 

Killing of Ignacio Flores, alias Figaro. — The victim in this case 
was killed at a place known as the "Chicken Ranch," on October 30, 
1853. He came to his death by severe wounds from knife and pistol at 
the hands of Miguel Nabaro, his wife Antonia and Rafael Soto being 
apprehended as accessories to the act. On trial the accessory Antonia 
was discharged, but there is no record of what became of the others. 

Murder of James M. Gordon. — The particulars of this deed were 
communicated to a Stockton newspaper by Doctor Marsh at the time of 
its occurrence. About seven o'clock in the evening of October 2, 1854, 
three men came to the house of J. M. Gordon, near Doctor Marsh's, and 
desired him to give them directions about the road, saying that they had 
lost their way. As soon as Gordon went to his door, he was shot by one 



146 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

of the party ; another of them fired at him also, but missed him. One of 
the balls struck Gordon, inflicting a mortal wound. Gordon fled in the 
darkness, and with difficulty reached Doctor Marsh's house, about two 
miles distant. The object of the ruffians was undoubtedly robbery, as 
the house was found to be ransacked. The men were traced and ulti- 
mately arrested in San Francisco. They were Henry H. Monroe, An- 
drew Hollenstein, and Thomas Addison. Monroe was duly tried for 
murder, convicted, and hanged November 24, 1854. While awaiting his 
execution Addison attempted his rescue, for which he was indicted by 
the Grand Jury, and imprisoned, but on January 20, 1855, made his es- 
cape from jail and has never been captured. The other accomplice, Hol- 
lenstein, was handed over to the custody of the sheriff of Solano Coun- 
ty in the same month. 

Killing of Terrence H. McDonald. — It appears that on June 11, 
1856, Rafael, an Indian, and Isabel, an Indian squaw, stabbed Terrence 
H. McDonald on the right side of the neck, from which he died in- 
stantly, the deed being committted in his own dwelling. September 5, 
1856, they were convicted of manslaughter, the man sentenced to ten 
years and the woman to eighteen months imprisonment in the State 
prison. There was also an accomplice, who was discharged. 

Murder of Doctor John Marsh. — Perhaps no more horrible crime 
than the murder of this pioneer can be found in the pages of any his- 
tory, and certainly no better example of justice following the guilty 
than that which tracked one of the murderers to punishment eleven 
years after the commission of his foul deed. Doctor Marsh had been 
for many years — long before the American occupation of California — 
the owner of the Los Meganos Rancho, of which he became possessed, 
as we have elsewhere stated, by purchase, in the year 1837. Here he 
dwelt, surrounded by his people, flocks, and herds, for full two decades. 
On or about the 24th of September, 1856, business called him from his 
farm to Martinez, some thirty miles distant. In the gray dawn of the 
following morning his horse and buggy were found in the town of 
Martinez, but without an occupant. Then followed the search, which 
led to the discovery of his body in a roadside ditch, immediately upon 
which the pursuit of the murderers was undertaken. On the day fol- 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 147 

lowing Jose Antonio Olivas was captured; after making confession as 
to certain money found in his possession, taken from the body of the 
murdered victim, and impHcating FeHpe Moreno as principal in the 
deed, he was tried and convicted, but, escaping from jail, he eluded jus- 
tice for more than ten years. In September, 1866, he was recaptured in 
Santa Barbara County, and brought to Contra Costa to await his trial. 
About the same time Felipe Moreno was taken in Sacramento, where he 
was going under the alias of Don Castro. When arrested he made des- 
perate efforts to escape, but being mastered was quickly handcuffed and 
incarcerated. The third party implicated in the terrible murder, Juan 
Garcia, has up to the present time eluded justice. The trial of Felipe 
Moreno for the murder of Doctor Marsh was commenced on Saturday, 
September 23, 1867, and on the following Thursday the jury brought a 
verdict of murder in the second degree against the prisoner. The prin- 
cipal and only positive witness for the prosecution on this trial was Jose 
Antonio Olivas, one of the three persons indicted for the murder. Sep- 
arate trials for the prisoners had been procured by District Attorney 
Mills, with the purpose of using the testimony of Olivas for the State 
and corroborating it, as to material points, by that of unimpeachable 
and disinterested witnesses. The defense relied mainly upon being able 
to prove an alibi ; but notwithstanding the very able efforts of the coun- 
sel for the prisoner, M. S. Chase, of Martinez, the testimony failed to 
convince the jury, as the verdict shows, although it was not as severe as 
might have been expected, possibly because of the youth of the prisoner, 
and the doubt remaining as to whether he may have been the principal 
actor in the perpetration of the murder, or merely an accessory. The 
story of the Doctor's death, as told by Olivas, is as follows : On the 
morning of September 24, 1856, the date of the murder, Jose Antonio 
Olivas and Felipe Moreno, aged twenty-five and nineteen years respect- 
ively, in company with some females, came into the village of Martinez, 
where, having attended church, they proceeded to Pinole, returning 
from there between four and five o'clock that same evening. They al- 
most immediately continued their journey to Pacheco alone, and when 
reaching the hill about a mile from Martinez paused a while to await the 
arrival of one Garcia, who was expected to meet them. Olivas then went 
on ahead for about two hundred yards, when he was overtaken by his 
comrades, and the three urged their horses into a gallop. While so pro- 



148 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ceeding they met a man named Swanson. Not long after this circum- 
stance Doctor Marsh was observed to be coming in his buggy. Here- 
upon he was accosted by OUvas, who asked him for certain money due 
him for services as a vaquero, to which the Doctor replied that he would 
be paid on his return from San Francisco, but that he had no rnoney 
with him then. The deceased now rode away, while the party remained 
behind and concocted a scheme to kill him, but finally arranged that he 
should only be robbed. They then followed in pursuit, and on overtaking 
their victim, Olivas, by Moreno's orders, seized the Doctor's horse by 
the head, while Moreno jumped into the buggy and Garcia stood guard 
alongside. The deceased at once faced his enemy and said, "Do you 
want to kill me?" to which he received the reply, "No," from Olivas, 
and "Yes" from Moreno, and, notwithstanding the dissuasions of his 
companions, this youthful fiend slashed the unfortunate man in the face 
with a knife. He was then dragged out of the vehicle and fell to the 
ground, being before, however, wounded in the hand; Olivas having 
then dismounted, as he says, for the purpose of assisting the Doctor, 
who came toward and struck at him, a scuffle ensued, Olivas crying to 
Moreno to free him. Thereupon Moreno observed, "Why should I let 
go this old cabron?" and forthwith stabbed his prostrate victim in the 
side. Upon receiving this wound the Doctor cried aloud, when Moreno 
was prepared to repeat the operation, but was pushed away by Olivas, 
who parried a cut made at him. The Doctor now attempted to rise, but 
was only able to stagger a short distance and fell into a ditch dead. His 
pockets were then rifled by Garcia and Moreno, who afterward cut his 
throat, the deed being witnessed by Olivas from his saddle. This ter- 
rible crime being perpetrated, the triumvirate repaired to the top of a 
convenient hill and there divided the booty, whence they repaired to 
some houses for the night and afterward fled, and for ten years and up- 
ward escaped the iron hand of the law. Moreno was sentenced to im- 
prisonment for life in the State prison on November 29, 1867. 

Murder of Nicholas Brenzel. — A most atrocious murder was com- 
mitted near the San Domingo Rancho on May 21, 1859. A man named 
John Mohr was accused of killing Nicholas Brenzel by striking him with 
a scythe, and was duly arrested in Martinez. From the testimony of the 
wife of the deceased, it would appear that Brenzel and Mohr, who were 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 149 

both Germans, were engaged during the year in cultivating a ranch to- 
gether. Mohr owed Brenzel several hundred dollars borrowed money, 
and Brenzel asked him if he would not pay a portion of it, as he wished 
to purchase some grain-sacks. On Mohr's refusal to let his partner have 
any money, Brenzel replied that he would go to San Francisco, borrow 
the money there, and purchase the sacks on his own account. This con- 
versation took place in the house on the morning of the crime. A few 
minutes afterward the wife of Brenzel heard a cry of distress, and on 
going to the door saw Mohr with a scythe-blade in his hand, and near by 
was the prostrate and bleeding form of her husband. She asked Mohr 
why he had killed her husband. He replied, '*I did it because I wanted 
to," and then threw down the scythe, seized a spade, and endeavored to 
strike the dying man again. 

Killing of an Unknown Man. — At an early hour on the morning 
of October 13, 1859, several citizens living in the vicinity of Lafayette 
missed their saddles, and it was at once conjectured that horse-thieves 
had visited the neighborhood, several horses having been stolen from 
that district a week previously. The alarm was given, and in a very short 
time a party of six or eight citizens started out and soon got on the trail 
of the supposed plunderers, those in pursuit being guided by fresh tracks 
of horses. The trail led across the hills in the direction of San Ramon 
Valley, crossing it about a mile on the west side of Alamo, and thence 
toward Mount Diablo. They proved to the Mexicans who had picketed 
their horses and encamped on the ground close by, having with them 
saddles belonging to David Carrick and Homer Shuey. They were sud- 
denly surprised by their pursuers and ordered to surrender, a command 
to which they paid no attention, but endeavored to make their escape. 
They were fired upon by the citizens, when one of their number fell 
mortally wounded, having been shot through the head. The other two 
took to the chaparral, but as soon as they became aware that the pursu- 
ing party was endeavoring to capture them at all hazards the rascals 
came out of the bush and gave themselves up. The wounded man was 
conveyed to the Walnut Creek House, where he died the same night. 
He was a Mexican, apparently about twenty-five years of age, and on 
his body was found a letter from the noted desperado, Tiburcio Vas- 
quez, dated from the State prison at San Quentin,and bearing the super- 



150 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

scription, ''Sra. Dona Guadalupe Cantua — by the hand of S. T. Bsa," 
who the victim doubtless was. 

Killing of Edward Norris. — This tragedy took place at Conkling's 
Hotel, on the road between Lafayette and Oakland, on the evening of 
December ii, 1859. The particulars, as gleaned from the Contra Costa 
Gazette, are as follows : A. H. Houston, of San Francisco, was the own- 
er of some five hundred acres of the Sobrante claim, on the San Pablo 
Creek. The property had been squatted on by settlers, with all of whom, 
save one, Mr. Houston had compromised, so as to obtain full posses- 
sion. This one, a man named Edward Norris, had fenced in some seven- 
ty acres of Houston's land and refused to give up possession. On De- 
cember loth Houston went over to his ranch for the purpose of making 
some arrangement toward a peaceable settlement of the dispute. He 
visited the house of Mr. Norris on Sunday, the nth, but not finding the 
latter at home, left a request that he would on his return call at his 
(Houston's) farm-house and have a talk with him before the hour 
necessary to start to take the last boat that was to leave Oakland. Hous- 
ton then returned to his house, and, after waiting as long as possible, he 
left word with his father-in-law, W. C. Pease, who was in charge of 
the property, to settle the matter peacefully, by paying Norris a rea- 
sonable sum to leave quietly. Norris, however, did not come to the 
house, and in the evening Pease went over to the hotel near by, kept by 
Conkling, for the purpose of getting supper. While eating, a crowd of 
men arrived at the hotel, among whom was Norris. They were in the 
bar-room while Pease was in the dining-room. The conversation of 
Norris and his friends was upon the matter in dispute between the for- 
mer and Houston. Pease, hearing his name mentioned in not very com- 
plimentary terms, stepped to the door of the apartment in which Norris 
and the others were conversing, and, drawing a pistol, demanded to 
know who had anything to say against "Old Pease," at the same time 
raising his pistol, cocking it, and threatening to shoot the first man who 
raised a finger. Norris, who was in the act of drinking as Pease en- 
tered, put down his glass on the table ; some harsh words then passed 
between Pease and Norris ; the latter, who was unarmed, reached for- 
ward to seize the pistol, when Pease instantly fired, and Norris fell 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 151 

dead, having been shot through the heart. Pease was tried for man- 
slaughter and on January 26, 1861, was acquitted. 

Killing of Sadello Catiyo. — During a drunken brawl at the house 
of Jose Silva, in Rodeo Valley, on the night of May 10, i860, a Chileno 
named Sadello Catiyo, was killed by his countryman, Assesso Gayarado. 

Murder of Guadalupe Tapia. — Guadalupe Tapia, a Mexican, was 
mortally wounded with a knife on July 4, i860, by Ramon Ruiz. They 
were seen together near Alamo, each having a horse, though dismount- 
ed, and just previous to the attack deceased was observed to be reclin- 
ing on the ground holding his animal by his bridle. Ruiz now suddenly 
rushed upon him with a knife, inflicting a terrible wound in the abdo- 
men, from the effects of which he died in a few hours. The murderer 
was arrested, but at his trial, which took place January 16, 1861, he 
was discharged, the jury disagreeing, there being eleven in favor of 
conviction of murder in the first degree and one for manslaughter. 

Killing of N. Nathan. — The 'Gazette of February 15, 1862, says: 
"The body of N. Nathan was found near Pinole a few days since, much 
decayed." The verdict of the inquest was that he had been robbed and 
murdered. His license as a peddler bore date about the middle of De- 
cember, 1 861. He was aged about twenty-one years and had no relatives 
in California. 

Killing of Patrick Finnegan. — On the evening of November 30, 
1862, Patrick Finnegan was shot at Clayton, under the following cir- 
cumstances : It would appear that a troupe of minstrels gave a perform- 
ance at the Clayton House in the evening to a rather noisy audience. At 
its conclusion one of the company was somewhat roughly handled by 
certain parties present, and R. L. Bradley handed him a pistol, telling 
him to protect himself. He did not use it, but returned it soon after. 
One account of the affair was that in passing the pistol back it was ac- 
cidentally discharged; while another eye-witness stated positively that 
on receiving it Bradley willfully shot Finnegan. The ball struck de- 
ceased on the left side of his nose, passing into the head and killing him 
instantly. Bradley mounted a horse and made his escape. 



152 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



Killing of James Magee. — On December i, 1862, James Magee 
was shot and killed by James Tice. There had been a difficulty between 
the parties, and in the afternoon in question Tice, who had been drink- 
ing, went to the ranch of the deceased, and some hard words passed be- 
tween them. Tice at length wished to shake hands, to which Magee ob- 
jected, telling him he was drunk, and ordering him off the premises. 
Magee had a shot-gun in his hand at the time, which he had gone into 
the house for. He turned as if to leave the spot, when Tice presented 
his pistol and shot him in the left side. He exclaimed, "Oh, I'm a dead 
man sure!" and almost immediately expired. Tice mounted his horse, 
rode to Martinez, and put himself in the custody of the sheriff. Deceased 
owned a valuable ranch in the Moraga Valley, and had accumulated a 
handsome property. Tice was duly tried before Hon. S. F. Reynolds, 
district judge. May 30, 1863, when a jury returned a verdict of not 
guilty. 

Murder of Louis d'Alencon. — On the night of Thursday, or the 
morning of Friday, March 12-13, 1863, Louis d'Alencon, the keeper of 
the Valley House near Martinez, was murdered by some person or per- 
sons unknown. The last that was seen of the deceased alive was on 
Thursday night by the hired man, an old friend and fellow countryman 
who lodged with him, when, having shut up the house, they partook of 
a drink together before retiring for the night, the man then going to 
bed leaving D'Alencon in the bar-room, where he was in the frequent babb- 
it of sitting up all night engaged in writing, he being a regular correspon- 
dent of the French newspapers in San Francisco. The companion soon 
fell asleep and was not disturbed by any unusual noise, but thought that 
had there been such he would have noticed it, as he was used to D'Alen- 
con's habit of being up and moving about all night. At a very early 
hour on Friday morning, Pancho Flores, passing the Valley House on 
the way to a rodeo, noted the door ajar, and saw the body of D'Alen- 
con lying on the floor between it and the bar. Pancho tried to enter, but 
was unable to open the door wide enough on account of the position in 
which the inanimate form lay. He therefore went around to the back of 
the house, awoke the hired man, and asked him what drunken man was 
asleep in the bar. The two then went to ascertain, and were horrified to 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 153 

find D'Alencon stretched on his back on the floor, dead, and weltering 
in his blood. 

Murder of an Unknown Man. — A stranger, dressed in working 
clothes, arrived at San Pablo on the night of August 4, 1863, and, after 
eating supper at the hotel, took his blanket and proceeded a short dis- 
tance up the road, when he turned off into a wheat-field, spread his 
bedding, and lay down. The following morning he was found there 
quite dead, with a wound in the temple, apparently caused by a blow 
from a heavy instrument. The body was yet warm when discovered. 

Killing of John Pete. — On January 11, 1864, one Frank McCann 
killed John Pete in a quarrel over a game of cards at San Pablo, but 
what the particulars of the outrage were we have been unable to gather. 

Murder of Martine Berryessa. — On February 8, 1864, at the town 
of Old Pinole, Martine Berryessa was stabbed with a knife by a man 
who was known by the solitary name of Francisco. Death was almost 
instantaneous. The facts of the case are these : Some two or three weeks 
before hard words had passed between the parties, and a charge of 
horse-stealing was bandied from one to the other. Thereupon a scuffle 
ensued, in which a cut was received in the leg by Francisco. They then 
separated, after threats were made by Francisco, and they did not cross 
each other again until the day of the fatal meeting, when Francisco 
and two men with him were for some hours at Pinole. Just as they were 
about leaving, they saw Berryessa, and, going up to him, Francisco ob- 
served that somebody wanted him at a place near by. Berryessa refused 
to go with them, whereupon he was told he should be made to go, and 
Francisco drew a pistol upon him. He held up his hands as if to ward 
off the shot or to seize the weapon, and then, instead of firing the pistol, 
Francisco unsheathed a knife and stabbed him under the arm. It en- 
tered his back immediately below the shoulder, penetrating the lungs, 
and causing him to fall dead. The murderer and his two companions 
then fled. Francisco being caught by the bystanders, after a short chase, 
was lodged in the jail at Martinez. 

Murder of Aravena. — On June 17, 1864, a Chileno named Aravena 
was killed under the following circumstances: It seems for some un- 



154 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

explained reason, he attacked a man named Humboldt, a resident of 
Oakland, Alameda County, who, in self-defense, turned on the deceased 
and slew him. 

Murder of a Man Named "Jo-" — ^^ the month of June, 1874, but 
on what day we cannot ascertain, a man called "Jo" was stabbed by one 
Alvarez at Pinole. The cause was liquor and jealousy. Alvarez delivered 
himself up to the authorities, but was discharged. 

Murder of Jesus Diana. — The following murder was committed 
November 12, 1864, under the most vengeful and brutal circumstances. 
It appears that a Mexican by the name of Luis Romero had been living 
in a family of the same nationality a few miles from Pinole. In that 
household was included a young woman about sixteen years old, the sis- 
ter of the mistress of the house. This young girl's name was Jesus Di- 
ana. Romero was courting her and was very anxious to marry her. She, 
however, refused all his solicitations, whereat he was very much in- 
censed. Immediately after breakfast on the morning of the fatal day he 
took his gun and started off, as he said, on a hunting trip. Only a few 
moments passed, however, before he came back to the house and found 
the married sister outside at a well near by. The murdered girl was 
within, washing dishes. He then went in and stabbed her in the back 
with a common butcher knife. Her screams quickly brought the absent 
sister to the door. Upon the latter crying out to Romero to desist, vhe 
turned upon her too, with the same knife, when she ran away. He 
called to her not to be afraid, for he should kill himself also. He then 
went back, took the gun, put it to his own throat, holding it under the 
chin so that the charge would pass into his brain, and thus killed him- 
self. Before doing so, however, he stabbed the girl in several places, one 
of the wounds going entirely through the body. 

Murder of Valencia. — On August 25, 1866, a Mexican, or native 
Californian, named Valencia, died at Martinez from the effects of a 
wound received at the hands of Jesus Garcia, on the previous Tuesday. 
It is said there was no provocation for the assault, although some quar- 
rel had occurred between the parties. The attack was made with a stick 
or club of oak wood, with which the deceased was severely beaten upon 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 155 

the head and other parts of the body. Garcia was arrested, tried, and on 
December 27th sentenced by District Judge Dwindle to imprisonment 
for two years in the State prison. 

Murder of Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson. — The following most brutal 
murder was committed on the night of December 26, 1866, on the per- 
son of Mrs. Elizabeth Robinson, an aged woman who dwelt in the vicin- 
ity of the Roman Catholic church. The facts of the case as alleged 
are these : The body of the deceased was discovered lying upon the floor 
by the child of a neighbor some time during the forenoon of Thursday, 
the 27th, and upon this information a number of persons immediately 
repaired to the premises and found the body in a night-dress upon the 
floor of the rear room, with the head, face, arms, and hands fearfully 
cut and gashed and several stabs in the breasts and throat, one of the 
latter being entirely through the neck, from front to back. Near the 
body was a piece of candle and a candlestick. The appearances led to 
the belief that the deceased, aroused by the noise made in entering the 
house, had risen from her bed, lighted the candle, and on entering the 
rear room from which the noise proceeded received a severe blow upon 
the forehead, followed by assaults with the knife, against which the 
gashes upon the arms and hands showed that she made a protracted but 
unavailing struggle. The floor of the house displayed bloody tracks, 
and upon one of the partitions was the full print of a bloody hand, made 
by the murderer probably on groping his way through the dark. There 
were also the marks of bloody fingers on the sUding window, showing 
that he had carefully closed it on his retreat from the premises. The ob- 
ject of the murder was undoubtedly plunder, as the deceased, who was 
about seventy-five years of age, by a long life of toil, had accumulated 
some property, and may have been supposed to have money with her in 
the house, which had all the appearances of having been searched after 
the life of the woman had been taken. Two days later a mixed-blood 
Mexican and Indian, called Manuel Jaurez, was arrested under circum- 
stances that tended strongly to identify him with the murder, several 
of the articles belonging to Mrs. Robinson having been found in his 
house in Martinez. He was duly incarcerated, and, after a trial lasting 
an entire week, was found guilty of murder, the testimony against him 
being entirely circumstantial, but most conclusive. On May 10, 1867, he 



156 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

was sentenced to be hanged on June 28th, on which day he was exe- 
cuted at the jail at Martinez. Before the carrying out of the sentence, in 
response to a notice that he was at liberty to say anything he might de- 
sire to communicate before execution, in substance he remarked: "In a 
few minutes I shall be in the presence of my God, and I now declare 
that I am innocent of the crime for which I am to die ; and what I have 
previously confessed I did in the hope of escaping punishment." 

Killing of Sacramento Leibas. — On the evening of January 7, 
1867, Sacramento Leibas was shot and fatally wounded by Antonio 
Figueroa in the Pastor House, a saloon and boarding-house in Pacheco, 
and principally patronized by native Calif ornians. A difficulty had ex- 
isted between the parties for some time, and several weeks before de- 
ceased complained of Figueroa for threats against his life, but the evi- 
dence submitted to Justice of the Peace Sayles, before whom the case 
was brought, did not warrant placing him under bonds. On the evening 
of the killing three men came into the saloon together, Bonifacio Pa- 
checo, Espirito Almosan, and Antonio Figueroa, all somewhat under 
the influence of liquor. Figueroa commenced to abuse Leibas, who re- 
plied, "It's all right ; I don't want any words." He then directed his con- 
versation to Antonio Leibas, brother of the deceased, in the same strain, 
and finally the remainder of those present came in for a share of his 
vituperation. After a while he went out, but soon returned, followed by 
Pacheco, who was apparently endeavoring to hold his arm. Figueroa 
raised a pistol, pointed it at Sacramento Leibas, who was standing be- 
hind the counter, and fired, the ball taking effect near the heart of the 
unfortunate man, who died in about an hour and a half. Notwithstand- 
ing being pursued, Figueroa escaped. Pacheco and Almosan were ar- 
rested as accessories, and after examination were discharged for want 
of evidence. They were subsequently rearrested and lodged in jail at 
Martinez. Figueroa was traced to a point on the San Joaquin, near 
Firebaugh's Ferry, where it is supposed he obtained a crossing in a boat 
kept there by a party of Sonorans. The accessories were found not 
guilty May i8th and discharged. 

Killing of Peter Lynch. — It appears from the records that some 
time previous to the committing of this deed a Portuguese named An- 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 157 

tonio Corquillo had been in the employ of Peter Lynch, who resided on 
San Pablo Creek. On a certain Saturday evening in the month of 
March, 1867, a bottle of Hquor was taken to the cabin where both men 
lived, and both becoming intoxicated a quarrel ensued. The Portuguese 
finally went to his bed, but was soon after assailed by Lynch. A struggle 
ensued, and in self-defense Corquillo seized a monkey-wrench from a 
tool-chest near by and dealt Lynch a fatal blow. He made a full con- 
fession, surrendered himself to the authorities, and on May 11, 1867, 
was tried and acquitted. 

Killing of Enoch J. Davis. — One of the proprietors of the Cum- 
berland house, at the Black Diamond Coal Mines, named Enoch J. Da- 
vis, died March i, 1867, from the effects of a knife wound inflicted by 
William Bowen some ten days prior to the decease. From the testimony 
given at the inquest it appears that Bowen and another party got into 
a quarrel over a game of cards and were ordered by Davis to go out of 
the house and settle their difficulty ; they accordingly went out, and 
after a scuffle returned, still disputing, when Davis again ordered them 
away to fight the matter out, at the same time applying some derogatory 
epithets to Bowen, upon which he ran to his room and returned with a 

knife, asking Davis if he had called him a "son of ," and upon 

Davis replying that he did, plunged the knife into his breast ; then going 
back to the room, in which there were several other lodgers, threw the 
bloody weapon on the table and declared he would take the life of any 
man who called him such a name. Davis's wound was not at first 
thought to be mortal, and Bowen remained at the place until within a 
few days of his victim's death, when he left. 

Killing of William Nesbit. — The circumstances of this case are 
from the dying deposition of the victim. The murder was committed 
near Somersville on the night of December 21, 1866. On that night, a 
difficulty having originally occurred between Nesbit and George Ver- 
non, he (Nesbit) went to the house of Vernon for the purpose of set- 
tling the difficulty without further trouble. Stopping at Vernon's door, 
he told him that he wished to talk with him peaceably and settle their 
difficulty without further words. Vernon said, "All right ; wait until I 
get my boots and I will come and talk with you." Vernon went into the 



158 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

house and returned instantly with a pistol, and while Nesbit was sit- 
ting on the porch fired at him, the ball striking him in the breast. As he 
jumped to run he again shot him in the back. He also fired other shots 
which did not strike him. On April 24, 1867, Vernon was found guilty 
of manslaughter and sentenced to ten years' imprisonment in the State 
prison. In 1871 he was pardoned, the grounds given by Governor Haight 
for so doing being: "There are serious doubts of his guilt, and it is the 
opinion of many of the citizens of said [Contra Costa] county that he 
should not have been convicted, and these doubts seem well founded.'* 

Killing of S. A. Carpenter. — On September 30, 1868, S. A. Car- 
penter, an old and well-known resident of Alamo, was found dead in a 
trail leading over a ridge to his residence, about two hundred yards 
from where the body was discovered. His horse, all saddled, had been 
previously found roaming about, the circumstance which led to the 
search. The deceased was in his shirt-sleeves, as if only a temporary 
absence was intended. He had been shot through the body, the ball en- 
tering the right side just below and behind the arm, and coming out of 
the right side a short distance below the nipple. There was no apparent 
deflection in its course, and, passing about an inch below the heart, pro- 
duced death almost instantaneously. From its evident force, the ball 
was thought to have been discharged from a rifle or heavy revolver. 
His pantaloons were also cut in the folds on the left side, apparently by 
a ball that had passed clear of the body. Carpenter is described as a 
man of very eccentric disposition. He was unmarried, and lived alone 
in a little spot that he had surrounded with a wealth of floral beauty. 
Shrubs of various kinds were artistically trained in the most attractive 
style, and flowers of countless hues unfolded in beauty and mingled 
their fragrance around his humble dwelling. His house was a model of 
neatness and order that would have won encomiums from the most 
thrifty housewife, and the general aspect of the place gave evidence of 
the esthetic traits of its possessor. Some little time before. Carpenter 
gave unmistakable proof of insanity, and was for a time removed to 
Stockton; after his return he had not been generally regarded as of 
sound mind. He was very irritable, and disposed to be quarrelsome to- 
ward his neighbors and all others with whom he came in contact. He 
had made threats to poison stock, and in many ways made enemies. Pos- 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 159 

sibly some one unaware of, or unwilling to allow for his infirmity, may 
have compassed his death in revenge for injuries received at his hands. 
Be that as it may — the murderer made his escape. 

Killing of Mrs. Laura Walker. — A man named Walker, who 
lived on the farm of Mr. Sellers, near the Kirker Pass, on the Norton- 
ville side, was arrested on September 5, 1869, for causing the death of 
his wife by beating her. Both the accused and deceased are reported to 
have been indulging excessively in drink at the house of a neighbor, 
and the beating occurred on the way home. On November 30, 1870, 
Walker was convicted of manslaughter, when a motion was made for 
a new trial, which was denied, and the prisoner sentenced to ten years' 
imprisonment in the State prison. 

Killing of Jose Vaca. — In an affray at the village of Concord on 
May 2, 1869, a California Indian named Jose Vaca was killed by an- 
other called Fernando Feliz. The deceased had been well known in the 
vicinity for a long time as a drunken, brawling, besotted fellow, the 
other being also well known as a quiet, inoffensive person, past the 
meridian of life, and afflicted from early age with an infirmity that made 
him a cripple. It appears that the deceased, who had been drinking to 
inebriation, approached the hut of Feliz with a bottle and wanted him 
to drink, an invitation he declined, saying that **much whiskey is no 
good," but told the other he would make a fire and give him something 
to eat. While making the fire Jose seized hold of him, saying, "Now, 
I've got you where I want you, and mean to kill you," thereupon strik- 
ing him a heavy blow with the bottle and breaking it. Fernando, strug- 
gled to defend himself, Jose meanwhile slashing and punching his face 
with the fragments of the bottle, still held in his hand by the neck. In 
the scuffle that ensued, they got outside of the shanty, where Fernando 
found an opportunity to seize a large knife with which he gave his an- 
tagonist two or three lunges, one of which, as was found on the post- 
mortem examination, passed entirely through the heart, severed the 
fourth rib, and killed him instantly. A judgment of justifiable homicide 
was returned. 

Killing of George Minchell. — George Minchell, who, with his 
family, had been living in Ygnacio Valley, about two miles from Pa- 



l6o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

checo, and farming on the lands of Charles S. Lohse, was shot at his 
own door on the morning of September 8, 1870, by a man named Wil- 
liam Donovan, who had been in his employ and claimed an unpaid bal- 
ance of wages, while, it was asserted on the other hand, that he had been 
overpaid eight dollars. It is said that Donovan visited the house of the 
deceased on the previous evening, demanding payment of the claimed 
dues in abusive and threatening language. Minchell directed him to 
leave the house and followed him out. A moment afterward the dis- 
charge of a pistol was heard, and Minchell re-entered the door, saying 
to his wife, ''Mary, I am shot." "You are not going to die, George, are 
you?" "Yes, Mary," and he immediately dropped dead upon the floor. 
Donovan was arrested, and when the sheriff approached him with the 
manacles, he exclaimed, fully realizing his situation, "Oh, God, this is 
what drink has brought me !" He was duly tried and convicted, and on 
December 8th, sentenced to be hanged on February 3, 1871. Judgment 
was stayed, however, and on April 15th Donovan was granted a new 
trial on the ground that a continuance asked for the defendant on the 
former trial was improperly denied. The continuance was demanded for 
the procuring of witnesses to prove that the prisoner had been an in- 
mate of an insane asylum, and it was denied on the admission of the 
prosecution that the fact alleged would be proved by the required wit- 
nesses if they were present. The Supreme Court decided that this ad- 
mission was not sufficient, and that the defendant was entitled to an op- 
portunity of proving the fact. The case was moved to the San Francisco 
courts, and on December 12, 1871, Donovan was again convicted of 
murder in the first degree. Afterward, in February, 1872, a motion for 
a new trial was sent on appeal to the Supreme Court, which issued a 
writ to stay execution of sentence until the "pending motion is heard 
and decided," and on June 27th directed that an order be entered affirm- 
ing the judgment of the court below, and directing the lower court to 
fix a day to carry the sentence into execution. He was again sentenced 
to be hanged on December 13th. In the meantime a petition to pardon 
the murderer had been sent to the governor, who declined to interfere, 
but ultimately execution was stayed by Governor Booth, who was 
moved thereto by an immense petition for a commutation of sentence. 

Killing of Herman Heyder. — From November 18 to 25, 1870, the 
Fifteenth District Court was occupied with the trial of Mathew Cas- 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY l6l 

par, indicted for the murder of Herman Heyder, by poison, put into 
the food served to him by the accused, when the deceased was a visitor 
at his house some ten or twelve miles southeast of Antioch. The general 
facts and features of the case may be briefly summarized as follows: 
On the 6th or 7th of September, 1870, Heyder and Caspar were brought 
into Antioch, at one o'clock in the morning, Heyder lying in the bottom 
of the wagon and Caspar sitting upon the seat beside the driver. Both 
were represented to Doctor Howard to be suffering from the effects of 
strychnine taken with the food they had eaten for supper at the house 
of Caspar some five or six hours before. Heyder died soon after reach- 
ing Antioch. Caspar recovered, and, from the medical testimony and 
other facts subsequently developed or considered, it appeared doubtful 
if he had exhibited any symptoms of having been poisoned at all. A jury 
was summoned to make investigations in the case. After a patient, 
thorough, and protracted investigation Caspar was held on their find- 
ing to answer before the grand jury on a charge of poisoning Heyder. 
The finding of this jury, and, presumably, of the grand jury, was based 
wholly upon strong circumstantial evidence of the guilt of the accused. 
It was, in the first place, almost inconceivable that so atrocious and dia- 
bolical a crime could have been committed without some motive of envy 
or cupidity; but the most diligent inquiry failed to develop a fact or 
suggestion which warranted suspicion that anyone had been prompted 
by such motives to enter Caspar's house in his absence and mingle 
strychnine with the various condiments and articles of food which 
would be eaten by him on his return, for the purpose of killing him. 
Large quantities of strychnine were found in the sugar-bowl, in the 
pepper-box, in the salt upon the table, in the syrup, in the butter, in the 
batter-pan, and in the flap- jacks, eaten at least by Heyder for supper — 
for he was unquestionably poisoned, exhibited all the most painful 
symptoms, and died within a few hours after the fatal meal. Strych- 
nine was found in his stomach, on chemical analysis of the contents, 
and in the undigested portions of the cakes he had eaten. The question 
then arose with the jury of inquest. Had Caspar any motive which 
would possibly have prompted him to such an attempt to destroy the 
life of his visitor and guest? It was shown that Caspar and Heyder had 
been acquainted for some time ; had worked together in herding sheep ; 
that Heyder had money, and that Caspar had been trying for some time 



l62 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

to borrow several hundred dollars from him. His statements in relation 
to the preparation of the supper when Heyder came with him to the 
house, after having been with him when he had been working during 
the afternoon, and many other circumstances developed in the investiga- 
tion, produced a conviction of Caspar's guilt in the minds of the jury 
of inquest ; and the testimony before the grand jury doubtless produced 
such conviction there as to warrant his indictment for the murder. With 
the strong circumstantial evidence of guilt which had warranted the 
findings of the two juries, the prosecution at the trial brought in the 
testimony of the two prisoners confined in the jail, to prove an admis- 
sion to them in prison on the part of Caspar that he did the poisoning. 
This was the only testimony purporting to be of a positive character 
against the prisoner, and it probably had not the weight with the jury 
that the testimony of persons unaccused of crime would have had, 
though these prisoners had no apparent motive for testifying falsely 
against the life of another. It is therefore not surprising that, under 
their solemn responsibilities, with no alternative but condemnation to 
death or acquittal, the jury should have failed to find a verdict accord- 
ing with the general conviction of the prisoner's guilt. 

Killing of James Fergusson. — A stranger named James Fergusson, 
on his way from Gilroy, where he had been employed in the redwoods, 
to his home at Windsor, Sonoma County, arrived at Martinez too late 
to cross the ferry on the evening of June 4, 1871, and met a violent 
death between midnight and Monday morning, under circumstances of 
a peculiarly painful nature. The deceased was accompanied by his three 
sons, aged respectively eighteen, thirteen, and ten years, and being 
obliged to remain over night at Martinez put up their horses in the sta- 
ble of the Alhambra Hotel, where he and the two younger lads at a later 
hour made camp beds, the eldest boy at a still later hour going to his 
bed in their wagon, which stood in the stable yard. During the evening 
Fergusson had been drinking pretty freely, and obtained from George 
Gordon Moor, Sr., the sum of $175, which deceased had given him to 
take charge of. This money was not found on his body. At about eight 
o'clock p. M. he went to the saloon of Francisco Saurez and there re- 
mained until one o'clock on Monday morning, leaving at the same time 
as did Alexander Naghel, William Higgins, and K. W. Taylor. The first 
of these, whose testimony is the most important relative to material 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 163 

facts, stated at the inquest that while there, Taylor playing on a guitar 
and Saurez on an accordion, deceased jumped up and began talking 
about soldiering, saying that he had command of fifteen hundred men. 
Not much attention was paid to what he said, and after a little they all 
drank together. The deceased then began showing the sword and fist 
exercises with his cane and fists, most of them joining in the play. De- 
ceased then asked Taylor to take the stick (for attack) and he would 
defend himself with his fists. After one or two passes Fergusson said to 
Taylor, 'T could have hit you, so and so." Taylor replied, "I could have 
knocked the knuckles off of you," etc. After a general ''skylarking," 
Taylor handed the stick back to deceased, who, in flourishing it, dropped 
it on the floor, then giving it a kick that sent it over the screen. Saurez 
picked the stick up and told the deceased he would keep it until he went 
away. After this Taylor and Saurez played the guitar and accordion, 
and deceased wanted them to play "Dixie." They complied, playing and 
singing, Fergusson joining in the chorus. Negro and Irish songs were 
then sung. Then Higgins asked for a Union song. The deceased said, 

"Anyone that will sing a Union song is a d — d son of a ." No reply 

was made to this remark by anyone. Taylor sang one or two more 
songs, and afterward a Union patriotic song. After more singing, Sau- 
rez said, "Let's all go to bed." Taylor said, "Let's all take a drink." All 
drank except the deceased, who got up and said he "had a boy twelve 
years old in his wagon over there, and that he had made that boy fetch 
his man." Taylor said there was no use talking about that now ; the war 
was over. Deceased then began talking about one Southerner being 
equal to five Yankees. Taylor and Saurez were at this time looking over 
the accounts of the latter, and while thus employed, and while the de- 
ceased was bragging about being able to whip five Yankees, Higgins, 
who was sitting on the billiard-table, came forward and proposed that 
all should go home. Taylor said, "We will all go home if Saurez will 
treat." Saurez treated, and all drank, including deceased. Taylor, Hig- 
gins, and Naghel then went out of the saloon and started toward the 
bridge. The deceased started at the same time, but turned back to enter 
the saloon, when Saurez ejected him, telling him to go home and go to 
bed, as he wanted to shut up. Naghel further stated that he left Taylor 
in order to go down the street; that the deceased walked up against 
Taylor, who then turned aside and tried to avoid him. Naghel then 



l64 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

walked back to where they were. Deceased again walked up against 
Taylor, who said, "Go away from me. I don't know who you are, and 
don't want you to follow me. Go about your business." At this Taylor 
gave him a shove and he fell backward. After he got up Naghel told 
him he had better go away, but he would not, and persistently thrust his 
society upon them. Naghel then asked him where his wagon was. He 
pointed to where it stood, and he was told to go to it. He started 
in that direction, Taylor, Higgins, and Naghel walking after him 
toward the residence of the first named, deceased walking on the 
sidewalk and they in the middle of the street. When deceased reached 
Wittenmyer's corner he halted ?nd turned back, still walking on the 
sidewalk, and went around the corner towards Sturges' Hotel. The 
three then remained talking for a short time in the middle of the street 
and opposite the thoroughfare leading to Brent's warehouse. While 
standing there, Fergusson came back from the direction of the Alham- 
bra Hotel, and approached in the middle of the street to within about 
fifteen steps, when he dropped on one knee, with a gun pointed in the 
direction in which they stood. Naghel remarked to his companions, 
"He has a gun ; look out !" They all thereupon concealed themselves in 
separate places of safety, and the deceased got up to follow. Naghel 
ran again in the direction of Brent's warehouse, but did not notice where 
the other two went. He saw, however, deceased drop on one knee as be- 
fore and saw the flash of a gun. A few seconds later he heard Taylor 
call for Brown. Naghel then went back to Brown's porch. He (Sheriff 
Warren Brown) brought out a carbine and gave it to Taylor, caution- 
ing him to be "very careful, for it would go off easy," and, "not to 
shoot if he could help it" or words to that effect. In the meantime 
Naghel was dispatched for Gift, to arrest the man. Taylor then took up 
his position by the railing near the end of the bridge. He now saw de- 
ceased approaching, holding his gun as if ready to fire, and searching 
about him for someone. Seeing Higgins, he pointed the weapon toward 
him. At this moment Taylor stepped to the end of the bridge and or- 
dered him to hold up his gun. He immediately wheeled around and 
pointed it at Taylor, when he (Taylor) fired and killed him. Taylor 
then handed himself over to the sheriff, who had now come up. The jury 
found a verdict that deceased was killed by K. W. Taylor, the shot be- 
ing in self-defense. 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 165 

Killing of Silverio Monjas. — Of this affair the Contra Costa Ga- 
zette of July 8, 1871, has the following: ''During the past week the peo- 
ple of the central portion of the county have been intensely excited by 
occurrences growing out of the disputed ownership and possession of a 
certain portion of the Moraga grant, about which there has been much 
litigation and contention for several years. The land in question is 
claimed on one side by Isaac Yoakum and on the other by members of 
the Moraga family. Some two months or more ago the sheriff, by writ 
of the District Court, was directed to put Yoakum in possession of the 
lands, then occupied by a portion of the Moraga family, but he had, as 
is claimed, no authority in executing the writ to remove and dispossess 
such of the Moraga children as were not named in the instrument, and 
he refused to do so, Yoakum, or his agent, as is said, refusing at the 
time to accept possession unless all the Moragas and their personal ef- 
fects were removed. Yoakum subsequently, however, went into occu- 
pancy of the portion of the premises to which the writ entitled him, and 
the Moragas remained in possession, as the sheriff had left them, of a 
portion of the land claimed by Yoakum, and to which, as we under- 
stand, he would have been entitled under the judgment of the court but 
for an error of omission in the complaint in action, upon which the 
judgment was rendered in his favor. From this situation of affairs, both 
parties claiming and believing they had legal and equitable rights which 
they were justified in asserting and defending, much heat and bitterness 
has arisen, and several serious collisions have occurred to the imminent 
peril of life on both sides. Some time early in May several rifle-shots 
were fired at one of the Moragas, and the horse he was riding was 
killed by a man in the employ of Yoakum named William Steele, who 
was at that time, together with one of the Yoakum boys, under one- 
thousand-dollar bonds to answer before the grand jury of the county. 
Since that time the temper of the hostile parties has not improved, and 
threatening demonstrations and preparations have been made on both 
sides, with no very serious results, however, until last Sunday (July 
1st), when Silverio Monjas, one of the Moraga party, was shot by Wil- 
liam Steele, as he affirms, in self-defense. On the previous day there had 
been a collision between the parties and a good deal of shooting. In the 
melee one of the Moraga girls was struck with a gun and severely hurt 
by Yoakum, and the horse he was riding was fatally shot. Reports of 



l66 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

these occurrences spread rapidly about the county, and created a degree 
of excitement and manifestations of indignation seldom produced in our 
usually quiet and moderate community ; and the excitement and indig- 
nation reached a higher pitch on Saturday, after the shooting of Mon- 
jas, threatening to culminate in a vengeful outbreak against the Yoakum 
party. In the heat of the excitement many intemperate and improper 
charges and threats were made, which a cooler judgment and fuller 
knowledge of facts would not justify. Sheriff Brown was on the ground 
shortly after the shooting of Monjas on Saturday, and, on the informa- 
tion of Yoakum, found and arrested Steele. Yoakum voluntarily offered 
to surrender himself to the sheriff for examination before any compe- 
tent magistrate upon any charge that might be preferred against him, 
and accompanied the sheriff to Walnut Creek, where, on finding Justice 
Slitz was absent, they proceeded to Pacheco, and on reaching that place 
found that Justice Ashbrook was also from home. Yoakum here de- 
clined to accompany the officer further, though he offered to give his 
word or bond for appearance whenever and for whatever purpose re- 
quired. As the sheriff had no warrant or authority whatever for detain- 
ing him, he was allowed to go ; and the sheriff has been highly censured 
therefor, but, so far as we can see, without the slightest reason." 

Monjas, who was shot by Steele, died about three o'clock on Saturday 
morning, and a jury of inquest, summoned and sworn on Sunday by 
Justice Allen, continued their inquiries until Monday evening, when the 
inquest was adjourned to ten o'clock Saturday morning at Walnut 
Creek. Steele was brought before Justice Ashbrook for examination on 
Thursday; the people in the conduct of the case were represented by 
District Attorney Mills, and the defendant by Judge Blake, of Oakland. 
The examination was concluded on Friday afternoon, and Steele was 
held to answer for murder without admission to bail. The jury of in- 
quest found Isaac Yoakum to be accessory to the killing of said Sil- 
verio Monjas. He was brought before Justice Ashbrook, of Pacheco, on 
July loth, to answer to the charge of assault with a deadly weapon, with 
intent to commit bodily injury upon the person of Gunecinda Moraga, 
in Moraga Valley, on June 30, 1871. On motion of Judge Warmcastle, 
acting for District Attorney Mills, the charge was modified to one of 
assault and battery. The defendant, contrary to the express desire of the 
court, and the prosecution, objected to trial of the charge by jury, and 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 167 

in deference to his objection the case was tried without a jury. The trial 
occupied the greater part of the loth and nth of July. The defendant 
conducted the case in his own behalf, assisted by a young lady, his 
daughter, who wrote out the testimony as given in by the witnesses. 
The evidence produced clearly sustained the charge, and established 
that the defendant had proved an aggravated assault upon the Moraga 
girl, striking her twice with his gun and inflicting severe hurts upon her 
person, while, at the request of his herder, she and her sister were as- 
sisting him to drive the defendant's sheep away from the inclosure held 
by the Moraga family. Yoakum was found guilty and fined five hundred 
dollars, but gave notice of appeal. On the charge of being accessory 
with WiUiam Steele in the killing of Silverio Monjas, Isaac Yoakum 
was brought before Justice Wood, of Danville, on July 24th, examina- 
tion being continued till the 27th, and at its conclusion he was held 
upon bail of three thousand dollars to answer to the charge. 

The case of George Steele was tried in Alameda County, before the 
Third District Court, whose term commenced February 19, 1872. The 
case was transferred for trial on the motion and affidavits of the pris- 
oner's counsel to the effect that existing prejudice would prevent an 
impartial trial in Contra Costa County. The case was set for March 4, 
1872, and on that date he was acquitted. He was then held on the charge 
of an assault to murder, with bail bonds fixed at two thousand dollars. 

Killing of Patrick Sullivan. — On the afternoon of October 28, 
1871, Justice Ashbrook, of Pacheco, was notified of the death of Pat- 
rick SuUivan at the residence of James Sullivan, his brother, near Bay 
Point, from a gun discharged at his head by Mrs. Catherine Sullivan, 
the wife of James. Of the untoward affair we find from the testimony 
adduced that James Sullivan was absent from home for several days, 
and had returned only on the 24th of October, but heard nothing frpm 
his wife that anything unpleasant had transpired, but observed that she 
did not speak to his brother, nor he to her, and on the 27th his brother 
told him that he must look out for another man, as he was going to 
leave. On the day of the killing they had been sowing wheat in the fore- 
noon and all were at the dinner-table as usual, but his wife did not eat, 
a circumstance that Sullivan attributed to her being unwell. After eat- 
ing he (the husband)' moved back his chair and was reading a newspa- 



l68 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

per, when he was startled by the discharge of a gun in the room, and, 
on looking up, saw Mrs. Sullivan standing in the pantry door with a 
gun, and saw his brother fall forward on the table. Shocked and 
alarmed, he sprang up and rushed out of the door, his wife following 
with the gun in her hands, and the children clinging to her skirts. In his 
excitement and agony of mind, he exclaimed, "My God, what have you 
done? Was it an accident?" To which his wife replied: "No; I shot 
him. He deserved it. He was a villain. He attempted a vile outrage on 
me !" She then told him that the deceased, on the night of the 23d had 
forced open the window, entered her bedroom, and attempted to out- 
rage her, but she had fought him off, and on her declaring that she 
would take the children and go to Cunningham's (one of the neighbors) 
for protection, he threatened if she did so, or if she reported a word of 
the matter to her husband, he would kill her. On the following morning, 
after she had passed a sleepless night, while she was preparing kindhng 
wood to light a fire, he came in, threw his arms around her and at- 
tempted to force her into his room, but she fought him ofif with the 
butcher knife she was using to split the kindling, and her little boy, who 
had been awakened by the noise, coming into the kitchen, he retired; 
but during the morning, and before the return of her husband, the de- 
ceased found an opportunity to renew his threat to kill her if she re- 
ported a word of what had occurred. All the testimony and collateral 
circumstances seemed to sustain Mrs. Sullivan's statement of the mat- 
ter to her husband, and the statement she made upon the inquest and 
the examination is the same. She was apprehended and held on five 
thousand dollars bail to answer to the charge before the grand jury. 
Mrs. Sullivan was duly arraigned and the case set for November 24, 
1 87 1, when she was very properly acquitted. 

Killing of Peter Peters. — On March 14, 1872, a Welshman named 
Peter Peters was shot and mortally wounded by a fellow-countryman 
named Job Heycock. From the testimony given before the coroner's 
jury, it appears that Heycock was aroused from his sleep on Thursday 
morning between the hours of four and five o'clock by a great noise in 
the room adjoining his bedroom. He got up, went into the next room, 
taking with him a loaded double-barreled shot-gun. It was quite dark 
there, but he thought he noticed somebody going upstairs. He called out 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 169 

to him to stop, but receiving no answer he fired. The deceased fell down 
to the bottom of the stairs. Heycock approached him, found him to be 
Peter Peters, a very particular friend of his. It also appeared from the 
testimony that William Rees, a person living with Heycock, was about 
lighting a fire in the kitchen when the deceased approached the win- 
dow from the outside, broke a pane of glass, raised the window and 
came in. Rees did not know who the person was, his light having gone 
out, and was frightened so that he ran upstairs, causing thereby a great 
noise, which woke everybody in the house. The jury of inquest returned 
a verdict of justifiable homicide. 

In regard to the principal of this afifair, the following "strange story" 
appeared above the signature "W" in the Alameda Advocate of May 
II, 1872: ''In 1837, on the 26th of November, the cosmopolitan com- 
munity of Crumlin, a small village in Monmouthshire, in the western 
part of England, were aroused and somewhat bewildered by the com- 
mission of a foul crime, the perpetrators of which did not only escape, 
but so skillfully covered their tracks that discovery seemed impossible. 
A recent disclosure made under very singular circumstances, as will be 
seen from this brief narrative, has brought to light this once-thought 
impenetrable mystery. The circumstances may not be unfamiliar to 
many of the old residents of Monmouthshire. The victim was a young 
man by the name of Mason, who was found dead on the old Crumlin 
bridge with his body mangled in a fearful manner. A few weeks after 
this foul crime had been committed, three men disappeared from the 
village very mysteriously to parts unknown. There has been strong sus- 
picion that these were the guilty parties. One of the three was named 
Peter Peters, better known in this country as 'Welsh Pete.' For fifteen 
years he had been rambling through the dififerent mining districts of 
California; the last few years he has been laboring in the Mount Diablo 
coal mines. His voyage through life had been anything but pleasant. 
Given very much to dissipation, under the effects of which he was labor- 
ing on the morning of the 12th of February last, when he, at about five 
o'clock leaped from his bed, imagining that he was surrounded by a host 
of enemies with various kinds of weapons in their hands, with the in- 
tention of taking his hfe. He ran into an adjoining house for protec- 
tion, and jumped through the window of a back kitchen. Heycock, the 
proprietor, heard the noise and went to the kitchen door with his gun in 



I70 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

his hand, and, as he says, called three times. Hearing no reply, he dis- 
charged the contents of his gun into Welsh Pete's body, when he fell to 
the floor. In a few moments he seemed quite conscious, and Heycock 
promptly dispatched a messenger for medical assistance, acknowledg- 
ing that he had made a mistake. The utmost attention was paid to the 
wounded man, yet he gradually became more feeble; but his strength 
and voice were spared to make a clear confession of being accessory to 
the murder of Mason on the old Crumlin bridge thirty-five years before. 
At ten o'clock the same day his symptoms became worse and in a few 
moments after he breathed his last." 

Murder of Valentine Eischler. — On November i6, 1872, one Val- 
entine Eischler, a German, was killed on Marsh Creek, about eight miles 
southeast of Antioch, near what is called the "Chamisal." He was liv- 
ing with his wife upon a small farm, and had in his employ one Marshal 
Martin. During the stay of Martin, Mrs. Eischler formed a determina- 
tion to get rid of her husband, and several plans were formed by her 
and Martin for carrying into effect her deadly purpose. In pursuance of 
the plan, Martin went to Antioch one day and purchased a quantity of 
arsenic, and when he came home she mixed some of it with stewed 
pumpkin and put it on the table for supper. But it so happened that 
Eischler did not partake of any of it. The next morning it was thrown 
down the privy vault. A few days after she repeated the dish, but Mar- 
tin claimed that he persuaded her to throw it away. She then wanted 
Martin to tell Eischler that there were some pigs for sale at Point of 
Timber, and to go along with him in the wagon, get him to drinking, and 
then buy a bottle of whiskey and put arsenic into it. Martin went along 
with Eischler, but for some reason the plan did not succeed. Another 
plan was then formed by which Martin was to knock Eischler off the 
wagon on the way home from Antioch and run the wagon over his head. 
A neighbor riding home with them prevented this plan. Then she sug- 
gested that Martin should shoot him, Martin had a revolver which he 
had purchased from a man who got it in Vallejo, and it would be neces- 
sary to go there to get cartridges to fit it. She gave him the money to go 
there, and he got the cartridges and returned. The day upon which the 
murder was committed, Eischler went to Antioch for a load of flour; 
Martin accompanied him, according to instructions. Before starting Mrs. 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 171 

Eischler placed an old blanket in the wagon so that Martin, after kill- 
ing Eischler, could wrap the body in it, and when he returned she 
would go with him to an old well near by, throw the body down the 
well, pour coal oil upon it and burn it up. Martin's heart failed him, 
and he did not shoot Eischler. When they returned she was very angry 
with Martin for not carrying out her plan, and told him that he did not 
love her, or he would do as she wished him to. After unloading the 
flour and putting the horses in the stable (it being about 4 p. M.), as 
Martin testified, he went about doing the chores, and Eischler com- 
menced making a doubletree. He had a piece of coupling, an axe, saw, 
hatchet, and jack-knife, and was using the wagon-tongue as a work- 
bench. Martin says that while he was watering a cow, which had to be 
led to water by a rope, Mrs. Eischler came out and commenced talking 
to her husband. They had some very high words. He heard Eischler say 

to his wife, "Woman, take your clothes and go back to the w house 

where you came from." Then Mrs. Eischler stepped back and, picking 

up the axe, said, "I'll give you w house," and struck her husband 

on the back of the head, knocking him over the wagon-tongue so that 
his body doubled over it ; then she straddled the tongue and struck him 
two more blows on the front part of the head. Then she called Martin to 
come and help her drag the body into the stable. After placing it in the 
stable Martin went to saddle his horse for the purpose of going to the 
Good Templar's lodge at Eden Plains schoolhouse, about two miles 
away. While fixing his horse, he said that she went into the stable and 
struck the victim two more blows with the axe, and that when she came 
out she said that she had found him sitting up, but that she had fixed 
him now. When Martin returned from the lodge she told him to go and 
arouse the neighbors and tell them that Eischler was dead in the stable, 
and that the horses had kicked him to death. He obeyed her instruc- 
tions. When the neighbors came some of them suspected that he had 
been murdered. The next day, when they went to examine the body, they 
found a great many horehound burrs on the woolen shirt of the de- 
ceased, and by this means they found where the body had been dragged 
to the stable. Afterward they noticed the flies gathering upon Martin's 
shoes and pants, and this fact, together with the burrs upon the woolen 
shirt, led them to make search for the place where the murder had been 
committed. During this search Martin was very active in leading them 



172 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

off in different directions, but finally they came to the wagon and ex- 
amined the sandy soil around it. They soon found a damp place, and 
putting some of the sand in a basin of water it exhibited a bloody color, 
and a greasy scum arose to the surface. Martin and the woman were 
then arrested and taken to Antioch, where they both made confession, 
each charging the other, however, with having directly done the mur- 
der. Martin's testimony under cross-examination on the trial substan- 
tially agreed with this summary of the facts of the case. Martin was 
duly executed January 23, 1874, having previously made a full confes- 
sion of his share in the dreadful crime. On the scaffold he said, "Gentle- 
men, I am here on this platform to die an innocent man. That woman 
deserves ten times as much to die." It is not meet that we should here 
note the details of his execution ; these will remain in the minds of many 
of our readers. The wife of the victim of the barbarous drama has been 
ever since an inmate of the lunatic asylum at Stockton. 

Killing of Jamiens. — What is known as "Sidney Flat," about half a 
mile below Somersville, was the scene of a most wanton murder, com- 
mitted about one o'clock in the morning of January 2y, 1873. Two 
wretched and disorderly brothels, to the annoyance and mortification of 
the respectable residents of Somersville, had been for some time shame- 
lessly maintained on Sidney Flat. At the hour named, as is gathered 
from the evidence, a drunken inmate of one of the establishments, 
named Hattie Davis, in company with an American, was on the way 
from one of these houses to the other, which are separated by a dis- 
tance of two or three hundred yards, followed by a Mexican named 
Jamiens and a Mexican boy about seventeen years of age. Jamiens was 
playing upon a toy musical instrument, and the boy was carrying a bot- 
tle of whiskey. The woman's drunken brawling attracted the attention 
of some of the visitors at the brothel she was approaching, and several 
of the men, among whom was James Carroll, started from the house 
toward them. On meeting, one of the number named Green said the 
woman asked him to take her home but on his attempting to do so the 
man who was with her tried to detain her, and he knocked him down. 
At this moment the two Mexicans joined the group, Jamiens playing up- 
on his harmonica, the toy instrument before mentioned. Carroll asked 
the Mexican boy what he had in his hand, and upon being answered 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 173 

that it was whisky he snatched the bottle from the boy and knocked him 
down, either with the bottle or his pistol, and turning on Jamiens, fired. 
Jamiens fell, exclaiming, *'I am shot through the head," which were his 
last words, though he did not cease to breathe for some three or four 
hours afterward. The deceased had been employed for some time at the 
Somersville mines, where he bore a good character and was generally 
known by the name of 'Trank." On April i8th Carroll was convicted of 
murder in the second degree, and was sentenced to twenty years' im- 
prisonment in the State prison. 

Killing of Michael Duffy. — Thomas Redfern was arrested on the 
afternoon of June 21, 1873, at his residence, about a mile south of Mar- 
tinez, for having shot and dangerously wounded Michael Dufify. The 
wounded man was removed from Redfern's place, where the shooting 
occurred, to the county hospital, and his right arm from the elbow to the 
shoulder was found shockingly shattered and mangled by the shot, 
which had entered the side of the neck, shattering the bones about the 
head of the spinal column and the base of the skull. He died July 4th. 
Redfern, it seems, had taken Dufify out to his house some days before 
and had been spending most of the time there in convivial indulgences, 
until a quarrel arose between them which culminated in the shooting. 
May 14, 1874, Redfern was declared by a jury not guilty. 

Murder of Martin Gersbach. — The locality known as the Hertsel 
place, on San Pablo Creek, some three miles below what is called Tele- 
graph Road crossing, was the scene of a murder on the evening of Au- 
gust I, 1873, almost precisely parallel in cause and circumstances with 
the Eischler murder mentioned above. If there be any difference at all, 
it is that in the last deed both the implicated parties were apparently 
persons of competent mental capacity and responsibility, while in the 
other case neither of them, perhaps, were up to the common measure of 
mental competency and sense of responsibility. In both cases the wife 
and the paramour plotted the death of the husband, attempted it re- 
peatedly by means of poison, and finally compassed it by a direct as- 
sault with murderous weapons — in the former case with an axe, and in 
the latter with pistol-shot, hammer, and axe. 

Martin Gersbach was a German by birth, some thirty years of age, 
who, by industry and frugality, had accumulated a little money, some 



174 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

three or four thousand dollars, it was said, and had been a lessee of the 
place where he had lived with his family, and where he was murdered, 
for something more than a year. His wife was a woman of about the 
same age, of German parentage and American birth. The paramour- 
murderer, Nash, alias William Osterhaus, was a man about the same 
age, also of German parentage and American birth. By the woman's 
statement, Nash was engaged by her husband about Christmas, 1872, to 
work on the place, and he soon began to pay her some improper atten- 
tions, which she slightly resented at first, but soon began to accept and 
encourage. When the character of the subsisting intimacy became ap- 
parent to her husband, he became enraged, and threatened to procure a 
divorce; but as he did not move in the matter further, they plotted to 
kill him, first dosing him with croton oil, given one day when he com- 
plained of being sick, then trying to have him take arsenic to counteract 
the effects of the oil, and then by putting laudanum in his coffee, which 
he would not drink after the first taste. They then tried to dispose of 
him by saturating his pillow with chloroform, but without avail. Nash 
then determined to pick a quarrel with Gersbach for the opportunity it 
might offer of killing him, but was unable to arouse his resentment. 
Finally, on the night of the murder, as she stated, after the woman and 
her husband had retired to bed, Nash, who occupied a room upstairs, 
called for Gersbach to come up there. Gersbach, instead of complying, 
rose from the bed on which he was lying, with his clothes on, and hur- 
ried out of the house. As he did so, Nash came downstairs with a pistol 
in each hand. He ran out after Gersbach, and she heard six shots fired 
in quick succession. She then heard a low groan, and, on going to the 
door, met Nash, who said Martin was shot. Just then he groaned. Nash 
at once took a hammer from the kitchen, went out to where Gersbach 
lay, and she heard several blows of the hammer on his head. Nash then 
returned and said he had finished him. He told her he would go over 
and tell Roland, a neighbor, he had killed Martin in self-defense, but just 
as he was about to go Martin groaned again. Nash went out to where he 
lay, and she heard heavy dull blows given ; then Nash returned to her 
and said he had finished him with an axe. Then Nash went off to carry 
his report of the death of Gersbach, and when he returned, before 
morning, said he would have to leave. He changed his bloody clothes, 
took about thirty or forty dollars that belonged to his victim, and went 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 175 

away. Such was the woman's statement. The officers found the blood- 
stained cast-off clothing of the murderer, his pistol with six empty 
chambers, and the blood and hair-clotted hammer in the room he had oc- 
cupied, and spots of blood about the floor. Near the spot where the body 
of his victim fell they found the other pistol, fully charged. 

After the murder Nash went to the house of a neighbor named Muir, 
a few hundred yards distant from that of the murdered man, and called 
him up. Muir's dogs made such threatening demonstrations that he re- 
mained some little distance off. The barking of the dogs was so furious 
that Muir could not distinctly hear what he said, further than that Gers- 
bach had been killed, and he therefore went over with Nash, or fol- 
lowing him, and found the wounded man still alive. Muir requested 
Nash to help him carry the wounded man into the house, but he refused 
to do so, and while Muir was gone for other help, as we understood, 
Nash changed his clothes, and left the place. The murdered man lingered 
until August 4th, and was sufficiently conscious during a portion of the 
time to give intelligent directions for the care of his boy and his prop- 
erty affairs by a friend, and to clearly designate Nash as his murderer. 

After more than a week's hunt night and day among the hills, follow- 
ing up the scent of every reported straggler, and in almost every in- 
stance finding they had been on the trail of the wrong man, and while 
Sheriff Ivory and his staff of officers were still scouring the hills and 
valleys for Nash, a telegram was received from Governor Booth with 
the information that he had been captured at Battle Mountain, Nevada. 
Under-Sheriff Hunsaker immediately dispatched a courier to find Sher- 
iff Ivory, and telegraphed to the Battle Mountain justice that he would 
start for the prisoner immediately, inquiring at the same time if he had 
a description of Nash and was sure he had him. A reply was received 
from the justice later in the evening that he had the description and the 
prisoner acknowledged himself the man. The courier sent for Ivory 
found him above Danville, shaping his course toward Tassajara. He at 
once returned homeward, and with all speed made his way to Battle 
Mountain. Nash was duly tried, found guilty May i, 1874, and sen- 
tenced to imprisonment for life. 

In the case of Mary Gersbach, the jury, after three days' and nights' 
deliberation, failed to agree. She was again tried, with a like result in 
December. 1874. The case dragged its slow length along up until No- 



176 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

vember 9, 1875, when District Attorney Mills applied to the Supreme 
Court for peremptory writ of mandate and review in the case of Mary 
Gersbach, which was denied. On Wednesday, November 17th, she was 
discharged from custody on her own bond of five thousand dollars. 

Homicide of George Muth. — The village of SanPablo was the scene 
of another bloody murder; the date was August 10, 1873. The victim in 
this case was George Muth, a young German, who had lived some years 
in the vicinity, and was generally liked and respected. He was killed by 
Henry Ploeger, also a German, who lived usually in San Francisco, but 
for some years during part of each season had been engaged in hay- 
pressing, and had been so employed in San Pablo at the time of the slay- 
ing. He had, some time back, it is said, sold a hay-press to Muth, and 
was displeased with him because he had engaged in business rivalry 
with him. On August 10, 1873, both parties were at the village, and both 
had been drinking, though it was a very unusual thing for Muth to do 
so. Ploeger had made threats against Muth, and the latter, just as 
Ploeger was about to mount his horse, crossed from the opposite side 
of the road and laid his hand on his (Ploeger's) shoulder, asking him 
what he was threatening him for or what had he against him, or some 
question of such purport. Ploeger instantly drew his pistol and shot him 
through the heart, killing him instantly. Ploeger claimed that he antici- 
pated an attack with a pistol when he drew his, and that the shooting 
was unintentional. The bystanders, however, did not seem to have been 
impressed with such belief, and were inclined to execute summary jus- 
tice on the spot, regarding it as an act of unprovoked and wanton mur- 
der. The prisoner was held by the officers and safely taken to the jail at 
Martinez, November 27, 1873. He was convicted of manslaughter and 
sentenced to six years imprisonment in the State prison. 

Killing of Ramon Chavis. — A native Californian half-breed named 
Ramon Chavis was shot by Constable John Wilcox on August 23, 1874, 
at San Pablo. It appears that the deceased had been at the house of Wil- 
cox, drinking and quarreling during the evening, and Wilcox had sev- 
eral times been obliged to intervene to stop fights in which he had en- 
gaged. Before the shooting Wilcox had retired to bed, but was called up 
by some one who said that deceased and some one else were killing 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 177 

somebody. Wilcox got up and partially dressed himself, took his pistol 
and went out, to find Chavis and another partially drunken man charg- 
ing their horses and riding over a man they had thrown down in the 
road, who was a half -demented person residing in the place. Wilcox 
commanded them to desist, when Chavis rode off a few yards, wheeled 
his horse and charged on him. When within a few feet Wilcox fired, 
and Chavis fell with a shot under the eye-socket. The coroner's jury 
found that the homicide was justifiable. 

Murder of Ah Hung. — The salient facts in this case are as follows : 
The deceased, Ah Hung, some two months previously opened a new 
laundry at Pacheco, and subsequently took Ah Sing into partnership re- 
lations. There was also a Chinese boy, Ung Gow, employed in the estab- 
lishment. They all retired as usual on the night of January 16, 1876, Ah 
Hung sleeping in an inner apartment, Ah Sing in an outer room, on a 
table, and the boy, Ung Gow, on the floor under the table. About day- 
light the boy was awakened by a noise, and heard Ah Hung exclaiming 
that he was killed. He ran into the room and saw Ah Sing attempting to 
haul him off the bed and chopping him with a hatchet. The boy at- 
tempted to pull Ah Sing away, but he turned and struck at him with the 
hatchet, inflicting one or two cuts, saying that he would kill him too. 
Ung Gow ran out to escape him, and went directly to the other wash- 
house, up the street, to give the alarm and find protection, but was re- 
fused admittance and driven away. He then went to Tiedeman's place 
and reported what had occurred. Constable Henry Wells was the first to 
visit the scene of the homicide, and there found the deceased in the front 
apartment, still with life enough remaining to make some moans of suf- 
fering, and most horribly hacked. He survived but a few moments. 
From the appearance of the place it was evident that the dead man had 
made a fearful struggle for life after being mortally wounded, the floor 
and walls were marked with bloody hand-prints, showing where he had 
endeavored to regain his feet, while blood-clots, and even pieces of bone 
from his skull, lay about the floor and on the walls. The murderer was 
captured and had on his person clothing and money, together with a 
purse, all identified as the property of the deceased. April 19, 1876, Ah 
Sing was tried, convicted of murder in the second degree, and was sen- 
tenced to forty-five years imprisonment in the State prison. 



178 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Killing of Jose Arrayo. — A bloody affray occurred on March 2, 
1877, about three-quarters of a mile from Walnut Creek, when Jose 
Arrayo was stabbed by Ramon Romero, who was at once arrested. Ar- 
rayo died on the loth of March, and Romero was committed on the 
charge of murder, for which he was tried, found guilty November 23, 

1877, and imprisoned for Hfe in the State prison. 

Killing of James Mills. — On June 18, 1877, a young man named 
Mills was fatally stabbed in an affray with P. B. Martin. It would ap- 
pear that ill-feeUng had existed for some time between the parties, 
which culminated in a fight on the day named. Mills died on June 24th, 
and Martin was arrested, tried, and on April 20, 1878, found not guilty. 

Killing of George Mitchell. — At an early hour on February i, 

1878, it was rumored about Antioch that George Mitchell, an old resi- 
dent of that town, was not to be found, and there was a strong suspicion 
that he had been murdered. About half -past ten o'clock on Thursday 
night he accompanied William Brunkhorst to his residence on Front 
Street with a lantern, the night being dark and stormy. Mitchell was 
duly sober and told Brunkhorst on parting that he was going to Dahn- 
ken's saloon on the wharf, where he slept, and retire for the night. Car- 
son Dahnken had closed the saloon. In about fifteen minutes after 
Mitchell left Brunkhorst a pistol-shot was heard on the wharf by sev- 
eral parties, but it seems no one went out to ascertain the occasion of 
the shooting. Dahnken, who slept in the rear of the saloon-building, 
said he also heard the breaking of a lantern, the broken glass of which, 
together with several spots of clotted blood, was plainly to be seen upon 
the wharf. It was believed from the circumstances that Mitchell had 
been murdered and thrown into the river from off the wharf. Poles 
were brought and a moment's search proved that such was the case. 
The dead body of Mitchell was brought from the water and a bullet- 
hole or knife-wound found on his left side over the heart. Suspicion at 
once fastened upon William Hank, a German, in charge of the schooner 
**A. P. Jordan," which had been lying at anchor a few miles down the 
river. Hank had been in town on Thursday, drinking freely, exhibited a 
pistol, and was once during the day prevented from shooting at a man 
in Martin's saloon. Shortly after the shooting Hank went into Gordon's 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 179 

saloon and told the bar-keeper that he had just killed a man on the 
wharf, his (Hank's) clothes being at the time quite bloody, with his 
nose, face, and lips scratched and bleeding. Going out of the saloon he 
fired at some dogs, and finally went to Dahnken's hotel and entered the 
room of Joseph Parker, a boarder. Parker awoke and finding a strange 
man in the room inquired what he wanted ; Hank said he was a stranger 
in the house and wanted a room. He finally slept upon a lounge in the 
sitting-room, where his pistol was found in the morning by Dahnken. 
While search was being made for Mitchell on Friday morning, Hank 
left the wharf in his sailboat for his schooner. As soon as the body of 
Mitchell was found, Constable Pitts, with two Italian fishermen, started 
in pursuit with a boat and overtook him. Pitts got into his (Hank's) 
boat, and on being told that he (Pitts) was an officer come to arrest him 
Hank leaped overboard. He was handcuffed by the constable while in 
the water, taken into the boat, tied, and brought, shivering with cold 
from his voluntary bath, to Antioch. George Mitchell was an English- 
man, forty-seven years of age, and had lived in Antioch and its vicinity 
since 1859. On April 24, 1878, Hank was tried and acquitted. Immedi- 
ately after trial, and ere he had left the court-room, he was joined in 
matrimony to Mary Augusta Raymond, who was present during the 
proceedings and watched the case with eager interest. 

Killing of Jose Reyes Berryessa. — On Monday evening. May 20, 
1878, near the crossing of West Main and Castro streets, in the town of 
Martinez, Jose Reyes Berryessa, a native of California, made an assault 
upon Louis Kamp, in resisting which he shot and killed his assailant. It 
appears that Kamp was passing along the street toward the bridge car- 
rying a pail of water, when Berryessa approached and addressed him 
angrily in Spanish, Kamp answering him in the same language. Berry- 
essa then assaulted him with violent blows of his fists, causing him to 
drop his water-bucket, then grappled and threw him repeatedly and vio- 
lently, either with his fist or with a stone cutting his face and causing 
a copious flow of blood. Just then Constable Gift's attention being at- 
tracted to the affray, he ran up, pulled Berryessa off, and command- 
ing the peace, told them they were both under arrest and must go with 
him before the justice. Kamp said he would go, but Berryessa defied 
the officer insultingly, and immediately renewed the assault upon Kamp, 



l8o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

striking and again throwing and falling upon him and hitting him with 
a stone while down. Gift again pulled him off, but he struggled free, 
making threatening demonstrations toward Kamp, who was then upon 
his feet, according to the testimony, backing away while drawing a pis- 
tol from his right hip pocket, which he presented and fired just as Ber- 
ryessa, in breaking from Gift's hold to reach him, was turned partially 
sidewise, some ten or twelve feet from him, and shot into his right side 
just below the nipple. Berry essa stooped, placed both hands on the 
wounded part, walked to the sidewalk from near the middle of the 
street, sat down, and in a few seconds expired. The verdict of the cor- 
oner's jury was that the killing was justifiable. 

Death of an Unknown Man. — The Contra Costa Gazette of March 
22, 1879, has the following: "We mentioned last week that the body of 
a man, some time dead, was found on the afternoon of the 13th inst., on 
Hyde's ranch, about four miles south of Cornwall station, and that Cor- 
oner Hiller had gone up to hold an inquest. Following is the verdict of 
the inquest: *We, the jury summoned to inquire into the cause of the 
death of a man found on the 13th day of March, 1879, lying on the 
ranch of F. A. Hyde, caught in the fence dividing the lands of said 
Hyde and W. E. Whitney, having viewed the body and heard the tes- 
timony presented, on our oaths do say, that from the evidence we sup- 
pose his name to be Levy Gish, aged about thirty years, nativity un- 
known, and that he came to his death some time in the first part of 
March, 1879, the exact date being unknown and that his death was 
caused by violence, but by whose act is to the jury unknown. Hyde's 
Ranch, March 14, 1879. Signed: A. A. Hadley, B. K. Walker, Thomas 
Prichard, Wm. Fahy, Lewis H. Abbott, John Tepe, W. J. Whitney, Jo- 
seph McCloskey.' The body was that of a man apparently between thirty 
and thirty-five years of age, about five feet seven or eight inches in 
height, with fine brown hair, curling in small curls all over his head, 
and reddish mustache, no beard, dressed in light-colored cassimere 
pants, dark-brown striped calico shirt, with undershirt made of flour- 
sacks having the brand of the Kern River Mills, hickory outside shirt, 
old boots with tops cut off, and no coat on body. The body, with a bul- 
let or bludgeon wound on the back of the head, was found lying on the 
west of the fence dividing the land of Hyde from the land of W. E. 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY l8l 

Whitney. Both feet were through between the pickets, apparently caught 
while he was endeavoring to get over the fence. The body was lying 
partially on the left side, with the left arm bent up under it and the 
right arm extending upward and in front of the face, the sleeve of the 
shirt drawn up over the hand. About twenty-five feet from the body, 
along near the fence, there were signs of a struggle, the ground being 
torn up and a great deal of blood on it and some hair from the head of 
the deceased on the pickets. Some four or fiye feet from the fence lay 
a pair of new gray blankets with a great deal of blood on them, and near 
them an old coat very much wrinkled and a great deal of blood on it 
and curls of hair similar to that on the man's head and on the blanket. 
Near the head of the body lay a pair of blankets similar to the others, 
but clean, rolled up and not tied, a black felt hat, and a letter from 
Abram S. Gish addressed to Levy Gish, Ellis Station, dated October, 
1870. Over the fence about twenty feet from the body was an account 
of sales of wheat and a letter dated March 6, 1871, from Bryant & 
Cook, Commission Merchants, San Francisco, addressed 'Levy Gish, 
Ellis Station.' The body had evidently been lying there six or eight 
days. 

"Constable Erwin, of Point of Timber, has since been at Martinez, 
where Mr. Hiller has the effects found with the body, and has identified 
the pants, and from the description is satisfied that the man is one whom 
he arrested February 25th, with two others, for burglarizing Peter 
Swift's house near Point of Timber, and found in his possession five 
letters directed to Levy Gish, EUis, and Moore's Landing. The men 
were taken by Erwin to Antioch and lodged in jail there, and the same 
night broke out and decamped. Erwin also identifies the coat as one 
that was worn by one of the companions of the deceased when arrested, 
but the coat then worn by him was of a better style and quality. The 
probability is strong, therefore, that the dead man was one of the three 
fugitive burglars, who received his death wound at the hands of his 
companions, or some other unknown person or persons, within a short 
time after their escape from the Antioch lock-up. It could hardly have 
occurred immediately after, as the ground where the body was found 
had been marked when wet, in the death struggles of the deceased, and 
it did not rain until several days after their breaking out on the morning 
of February 26th. It may therefore be inferred that they remained 



i82 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

somewhere concealed in the neighborhood for possibly a week or more, 
there being no way of determining when the supposed murder was com- 
mitted further than that, from the condition of the body, it could not 
have been less than eight or ten days before the remains were discov- 
ered, and it must have been after the rains of the first week in the month 
had softened the hard dry ground. 

"It will be remembered by our readers that we mentioned the arrest 
last week of four tramps by Constable Gift, at the Granger's hay -barn, 
on suspicion that they may have had something to do with the burglary 
of Blum's store and safe, but as nothing was disclosed that would war- 
rant their being held in custody they were turned loose. Now, from the 
description and other circumstances, Erwin is confident that two of 
these persons were the same that he arrested for the Point of Timber 
burglary and placed in the Antioch lock-up with the man since found 
dead. The coat worn by one of the men arrested here Erwin is confident 
was the one worn by the deceased when he made the arrest at the Point 
of Timber, and the coat found near the body, which is now in the keep- 
ing of Coroner Hiller, Erwin identified as one worn by one of the other 
persons he arrested and lodged in the Antioch lock-up, allowing them, 
after search, and taking from them a dirk and pocket knife, to retain 
a bag containing clothing, and among other articles a blouse similar to 
one which these tramps, while held in jail here, gave to one of the pris- 
oners confined there awaiting trial. On these circumstances and other 
facts, which it may not be judicious to mention here, the inference is 
justified that two, if not all four, of this tramp party, are implicated in 
the murder, and warrants have been issued for their arrest." 

The Antioch Ledger of March ist had the following report of the ar- 
rest and escape of the burglars : "Three tramps, who gave their names 
as John Sullivan, Charles Williams, and WiUiam Dency, broke into 
Peter Swift's house, situated near the Salt Pond, Point of Timber, 
about nine o'clock Tuesday morning, and appropriated to their own use 
a suit of clothes, a quantity of food, and sundry other articles. Swift 
was absent at work in the field. Missing the property shortly after, he 
procured a warrant from Justice Cary, and Constable Erwin overtook 
and arrested the parties near the Point of Timber schoolhouse. They 
were brought to Antioch Tuesday evening and confined in the town jail, 
to await trial the following morning. Erwin visited the jail premises at 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 183 

midnight and finding his captives secure, retired, but in the morning dis- 
covered that the trio had departed. Though thoroughly searched when 
placed in confinement, they had cut off a two-inch plank about a foot 
above the floor, pried it off and were free. It is evident the cutting was 
not done with a knife, but was evidently the work of a chisel or small 
hatchet. It is also apparent that they were furnished the necessary im- 
plements by outside parties. A knot-hole in one of the planks had been 
enlarged from the outside so as to admit of an instrument two inches 
in diameter. In answer to letters addressed to them for information re- 
lating to Levy Gish, presumed to have been a resident of that vicinity, 
Coroner Hiller has learned from the postmaster and constable at Ellis 
that the person is now living in San Diego County, from whence a letter 
written by him on the 5th inst. has been received at Ellis. They informed 
Hiller that the cabin Gish formerly occupied was recently broken into 
and rifled by tramps, who are presumed to have taken away the letters 
addressed to Gish which were found by Constable Erwin when he made 
the arrest at Point of Timber and those found near the dead body on 
Hyde's ranch, and which led the jury to presume that the name of the 
deceased was Levy Gish, who, as now appears, is doubtless alive and 
well in San Diego County, while some other name belonged to the dead 
and probably murdered man." 

Murder of Langbhen. — The following particulars relating to this 
tragedy, which occurred near Marsh Landing on May 16, 1879, are an 
excerpt from the San Francisco Bulletin: "The tules in the vicinity of 
Antioch were the scene of a horrible tragedy last Friday morning, con- 
sisting of the murder of two children, aged respectively six years and 
four years, by their father, and the latter's suicide. Some six weeks ago 
he took up his quarters on a vegetable ranch owned by his nephew near 
Marsh Landing, a place about five miles from Antioch. Langbhen and 
his family were fresh from Faderland. They were quite industrious 
people, the most affectionate relations existing between husband and 
wife and between parents and children. For the want of anything better 
to do, Langbhen worked on his nephew's farm, cultivating small fruits 
and vegetables, which the nephew took to Antioch and sold. The nephew 
boarded with the family. While working in the fields Langbhen was 
usually accompanied by his two children, who whiled the time away in 



l84 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

playing and weeding. At half -past four on Friday morning Langbhen 
got up and prepared breakfast for his nephew, as was his wont, and 
after the latter left for Antioch with a load of strawberries he went to 
the field to work; soon after his children followed him. At about eight 
o'clock Langbhen was seen by Max Klein, a neighbor, who was at the 
time cutting potatoes in his barn, a few rods from the Langbhen resi- 
dence, to tie the shoe-lace of the Uttle girl. He was then seen to take the 
two children to the adjacent tules; soon after he was observed coming 
out of the tules without the children, and walking rapidly toward his 
house. Immediately after he reached it, Mrs. Langbhen rushed out in an 
excited state, throwing up her hands in despair, and talking excitedly in 
German. This was followed quickly by the discharge of a gun. The 
neighbors naturally enough rushed to the scene. Fleckaman, a next-door 
neighbor to the Langbhens, reached the house first, and entering it he 
beheld a horrible sight. Langbhen was leaning against the wall, almost 
doubled up, and dead, with a double-barreled shotgun grasped firmly in 
his hands and the muzzle in his mouth, with his toe against the trigger. 
The charge had passed into the unfortunate man's head and spattered 
his brains all over the room. After partly recovering from the shock a 
search was begun for the children, who were missing. About an hour 
later the two were found by a Portuguese gardener, lying dead side by 
side in the tules, not far from where Langbhen had been seen to emerge. 
The little girl's skull had been smashed with a heavy blunt instrument 
and her throat cut from ear to ear, severing the jugular vein, and a 
piece of flesh had been cut out of one of her hands. The boy's body 
bore no marks of violence, excepting that his head was nearly severed 
from the trunk. Near the bodies were found the apron worn by Lang- 
bhen at the time he slaughtered his children, and the heavy bludgeon 
with which it is suposed he beat in the skull of his little daughter. Both 
articles were covered with blood. The throats of the little ones are sup- 
posed to have been cut with a scythe blade or some similar instrument, 
as in each case the frightful wound had been inflicted with one blow. 
But no such weapon, or any other corresponding to it, could be found, 
although a most careful search was made in the neighborhood." 

Murder of a Chinawoman. — A Qiinawoman was stabbed and killed 
by a Chinaman named Ah Yen on September 2^, 1879, at Antioch. On 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 185 

examination it appeared that the man who killed her, and another Chi- 
naman, who claimed to own the woman, having bought her for one hun- 
dred and eighty dollars, came to Antioch together three or four weeks 
previously from one of the mountain mining districts. What the rela- 
tionship of the parties was, or what the provocation for the murderous 
assault, whether hatred, jealousy, revenge, or suddenly aroused anger, 
was not made clear by the evidence adduced at the examination. Ah 
Yen was tried, convicted of murder in the second degree, and sentenced 
to twenty-eight years in the State prison. 

Killing of Thomas Sheridan. — A serious affray occurred on June 
12, 1880, in Moraga Valley, which resulted in the death of Thomas 
Sheridan, a young man of eighteen or nineteen years of age. The diffi- 
culty occurred on land lying south or southeast of the Moraga Rancho, 
claimed as being in the Sobrante grant, but supposed to be public land, 
and occupied as such for ten years past. Upon a quarter-section of this 
land, with consent, or upon bargain with the original squatter claimant, 
S. S. Kendall, an old resident of the Moraga Valley, had cut a quantity 
of wood. Whether the original claimant had technically lost his right or 
not is a matter of dispute, but the land for the last year or two had been 
claimed and occupied by John Sheridan and his family. Kendall being a 
cripple, having a few years before suffered the loss of a leg, and antici- 
pating some opposition in removing the wood, engaged a neighbor, T. 
B. Fulton, and a negro named Charles Mingo, to load and haul it away. 
These men went out for the purpose armed with a breech-loading rifle 
and a revolver. On undertaking to load the wood Mrs. Sheridan came 
out and forbade them doing so. She was followed by Sheridan, armed 
with a hatchet, Thomas Sheridan, with a double-barreled gun, and a 
man named Gleeson, with a single-barreled gun. As the statements go, 
Sheridan attacked Fulton with the hatchet, striking him several times 
upon the head and inflicting some severe cuts. Gleeson also struck him 
once or twice with his gun. Mingo, holding his rifle in one hand, seized 
Sheridan with the other, and endeavored to drag him off Fulton. 
Thomas Sheridan, at a distance of a few yards, leveled his gun at Min- 
go, and walked around, approaching nearer, to get in range to shoot 
him without danger of shooting his father, Mingo meanwhile endeavor- 
ing to keep the father as a shield between himself and the son. The lat- 



l86 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ter, however, gained a position of advantage where Mingo saw that he 
would have a clear shot at him. Mingo then hastily dropped the barrel 
of his own rifle to range with the breech at his hip and fired, the ball 
entering the abdomen of young Sheridan and causing his death within 
half or three-quarters of an hour. 

Killing of Manuel Sibrian. — Manuel Sibrian was shot and killed 
"with a pistol by Narciso Miranda on July i, 1880, at the place of the 
latter's residence in the San Ramon hills, about a mile southwest of 
Alamo. Both men were native Californians of Mexican descent, Miran- 
da living in the hills on adjoining claims of supposed Government land, 
though also claimed by Carpentier as part of the Sobrante grant. It is 
said that there had been bad feeling for a long time between Miranda 
and the deceased, arising from disputes as to the rightful claim of the 
latter to the land he had been occupying. As we are informed, the land 
was taken up on pre-emption claim some years ago by Miranda's father, 
who had since died, and who permitted Sibrian to temporarily occupy 
it when he had nowhere to put his family, after having been obliged to 
leave a residence property he had previously occupied. On the part of 
the Miranda family, it is asserted that Sibrian, since their father's 
death, has wrongfully claimed and insisted on retaining possession of 
the land as his own. On the day mentioned, at the meeting that resulted 
in his death, he went to Miranda's house in anger and made an attack 
upon him with a club, to which Miranda responded by shooting him sev- 
eral times in the abdomen with a revolving derringer pistol. Miranda 
was duly tried, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced to one year 
and one month's imprisonment in the State prison. 

Killing of Louis Farreri. — A series of affrays occurred on the 
night of March 19, 1881, at Nortonville, between Italians and persons 
of other nationalities employed about the coal mines there, in one of 
which an Italian named Louis Farreri received a blow upon the head 
from a slung-shot, club, or stone that resulted in his death a few hours 
after the occurrence. From what we learn in relation to the matter, it 
appears that a considerable number of ItaHan laborers had been em- 
ployed in the mine, cutting out coal, at less than the usual rates of com- 
pensation, thus creating an unfriendly feeling Between them and the 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 187 

regular miners of other nationalities there employed, but which had not 
prior to this occurrence led to any personal collisions. Recently, how- 
ever, a number of miners of rough habits had arrived at Nortonville 
from the north coast mines and had shown a disposition to engage in 
personal affrays with the Italians, and, from such evidence as had been 
elicited, they are presumed to have been the assailants in Saturday 
night's encounters, of which there were several prior to that in which 
Farreri received the fatal injury. This occurred about midnight, when, 
as testified by another Italian who was with the deceased, they were as- 
sailed by half a dozen or more persons and Farreri knocked down, 
while the witness took flight. Farreri was found shortly afterward by a 
countryman lying in a partial stupor upon the ground where he had 
fallen. On being aroused, he complained of violent pain in the head, but 
was able to walk, and his countryman attended him to the gate of his 
residence, after seeing him enter which he left him. A little later an- 
other countryman passing noticed him lying upon the stoop of the house 
moaning. He assisted him into the kitchen and urged him to go to bed ; 
but Farreri said his head hurt him very much, and he would rest where 
he was. Thinking he was only affected by drink, and would soon sleep 
off its effects, the man left him there, without awakening the wife or 
children of the sufferer. Still later, another Italian passing the house 
and hearing the groans, entered the kitchen and found Farreri upon 
the floor complaining that his head hurt him. Mrs. Farreri was called 
up, and she thought he was affected by drinking. After her countryman 
left, Mrs. Farreri remained in the kitchen with her husband until he fell 
into a doze, and appeared to be sleeping without suffering much pain, 
when she returned to her bed, about three o'clock, but on awakening 
about daylight and going to him she found him dead. In the absence of 
Coroner Guy, a jury was summoned, an inquest held on Sunday by 
Justice Wall, and a verdict found of death from natural causes and "the 
visitation of God." District Attorney Chase went up on Monday, and at 
his instance a jury was summoned and inquest held by Coroner Guy. 
The testimony of Doctors Leffler and Wemple, given upon a post-mor- 
tem examination, went to show that the skull of the deceased had been 
fractured by a club, stone, slung-shot, or some other heavy, dull weap- 
on, and that death was caused thereby. Many other witnesses were ex- 
amined, but no testimony found by which the act could be fixed upon 



l88 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

any particular person or persons, although some six or eight had been 
arrested on presumption of impHcation in the assault, all of them re- 
cent comers to the place from the north coast, and a verdict was found 
that the deceased came to his death from a skull fracture, caused by 
the blow of some instrument in the hands of some unknown person. 
The deceased is said to have been a generally quiet and well-disposed 
man, who left a widow and four children unprovided for. 

Killing of Patrick Sullivan. — Patrick Sullivan, who lived with 
his family on the Wildcat branch of the San Pablo Creek, left Oakland 
on Monday evening, March 28, 1881, in his wagon, and never reached 
his home. Alarmed by his protracted absence, his family and friends in- 
stituted search for him Tuesday morning, and his dead body was found 
riddled with buckshot, and one arm around the axletree of the wagon, 
several hundred yards below the road near the creek. From appearances 
it was concluded that after being shot he fell forward over the front of 
the wagon and grasped the axletree in an unconscious dying effort, the 
horses breaking from the road and running (dragging the body) to the 
place near the creek v/here the wagon was found. The firing had been 
heard by some of the people living in the vicinity the previous evening, 
and foot-tracks were found about the place in the road where it was 
evident the fatal shot was delivered, and from the direction of these 
tracks and the fact that there had been a long existing feud between 
himself and the deceased, suspicion led to the arrest of a neighbor 
named Robert Lyle, in whose house was found a double-barreled shot- 
gun. An inquest was held on the body by Deputy Coroner Livingston, 
and a verdict found on Thursday that the deceased came to his death 
from a gun-shot wound inflicted by some person unknown to the jury. 
Lyle was taken down from the jail on Friday, April ist, for examina- 
tion at San Pablo, on accusation of the murder. Sullivan left a wife and 
seven or eight children. Lyle was held to answer and trial set for April 
II, 1881, when he was discharged. 

Killing of Sheridan. — The circumstances of the case as related 
are: That the Sheridan boys, sons of John Sheridan, living in Grizzly 
Canon, found that one of their goats had been killed by a coyote, which 
had partaken of the flesh to the satisfaction of its hunger, but probably 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 189 

would return to feast upon the carcass, when they hoped by lying in 
ambush to shoot the plunderer of their flock. Accordingly, on the even- 
ing of May II, 1881, they invited a neighbor, Michael Hennessy, to join 
them, and went out about dusk, taking a position behind a bush some 
thirty yards more or less from the carcass of the goat, John Sheridan, 
the elder of the brothers, having a rifle, and Daniel C, the younger, a 
boy of fourteen years, having no weapon. They were soon afterward 
joined by Hennessy, with a double-barreled shot-gun. Hennessy selected 
an ambush position for himself some Httle distance from that occupied 
by the boys, and directed the younger one, who had no weapon, to go to 
a tree on the top of the ridge behind and above his position, where he 
could have a good outlook over the ground, and if he saw the coyote to 
make a signal. Hennessy then took the position he had chosen, and, 
after lying quietly in wait for nearly half an hour, heard a rustling in 
the grass or brush on his left, and looking in that direction, at a dis- 
tance of some twenty or thirty yards, saw a moving object that he took 
to be the head of a coyote peering warily about, as if suspicious that 
danger might be lurking near for him. In the belief that it was a coyote, 
Hennessy raised his gun, but lowered it to assure himself of the posi- 
tion of the supposed animal, and, without the most distant thought that 
the boy was anywhere in that direction, raised his gun again and fired. 
The poor lad instantly cried, 'Tt's me you've shot ! I'm killed !" Hen- 
nessy exclaimed, "My God, John, I've shot Connie! Run for help !" and 
ran immediately to the wounded boy, took him in his arms, and held him 
until some neighbors called by the brother came, when they carried the 
lifeless body to the house. The boy survived only ten or fifteen minutes 
after Hennessy reached him, but never spoke again after exclaiming 
that he had been shot and killed. The jury of inquest found in accord- 
ance with the facts, that the killing was purely accidental. 

Killing of Christian Smith. — The following article is from the 
Contra Costa Gazette of July 9, 1881 : ''Last Monday morning, July 4, 
1881, about 8 o'clock, when the jail cells were unlocked to let the pris- 
oners out into the corridor for breakfast, Henry Grosser, awaiting trial 
on charge of murder for the killing of Christian Smith on Marsh Creek 
in May, did not come out with the others, and one of them looking into 
the cell, discovered his body hanging from the center ventilating grat- 



190 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ing in the ceiling, or crown sheet. All warmth had left the body, and 
from facts afterward learned it is supposed to have been hanging there 
from about midnight. A jury of inquest was immediately organized by 
Deputy Coroner Livingston, and inquiries as to circumstances of the 
suicide proceeded with. It was ascertained by examination that the de- 
ceased had knotted a flour sack of the fifty-pound size tightly around 
his neck, and, the ends being short after first crossing, to complete the 
knot, had been laid back and wound with twine to fasten them. Through 
the collar thus formed the leg of a pair of drawers had been inserted, 
the ends passed up between and brought down over the grating bars 
and tightly knotted, the deceased standing upon an empty candle-box to 
do this, then pushing the candle-box away with his feet, and leaving 
himself suspended to die by suffocation, as there was no fall sufficient 
to break the spinal column, and although the hands being free, had there 
not been great determination to effect the purpose, he could have 
reached up and unloosed the knot, as there might have been an inclina- 
tion to do for relief from the choking sensation. But it is not probable 
that such attempt was made, or some sound of it would have been heard 
by the occupant of the adjoining cell, who was awake and heard the 
noise made by the box when, as is supposed, it was pushed from under 
him upon the iron floor. On hearing this noise the prisoner called to 
Grosser and inquired if he was awake, but got no response and heard 
no further sound. When found in the morning, the arms were hanging 
close to the body and the feet within two or three inches of the floor.. 

"Grosser was a German by birth, about fifty years of age, but in 
appearance ten years or more older. After having been for some years 
in this country he returned to Germany, where he married and came 
back with his wife about twelve years ago. They have since had four 
children, three girls and one boy. The eldest child is about twelve, and 
the youngest one year of age. They have been living upon Marsh Creek 
for some three years, and have been well thought of by their neighbors 
as people of good character and of hard-working, industrious habits. 
Before moving to that neighborhood they had, either as share partners 
or employees, business relations with Smith, for the killing of whom 
Grosser was to have been tried on charge of murder. The land upon 
which they lived was purchased by Smith, and a deed for one half of 
it was afterward made to Mrs. Grosser, in consideration, as the Gros- 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 191 

sers claimed, of a lot of sheep sold or transferred in exchange to him. 
The business of farming and stock-keeping on the place at Marsh Creek 
appears to have been engaged in upon some partnership basis or under- 
standing between the Grossers and Smith, and there has within the past 
year grown up difficulties about settlement of the business between 
them. Smith's family lived at Oakland, but he was frequently at Marsh 
Creek, and spent considerable of his time at Grosser's. A short time be- 
fore Smith was shot, Grosser said his wife had informed him that he 
had made grossly improper proposals and approaches to her, which 
greatly shocked and enraged him. He then resolved to resent a repeti- 
tion of such insults should they be offered, and on Smith's next visit to 
the ranch he armed himself with a pistol, procured for the purpose, and 
seeing him enter the milk-cellar, he followed to find that he had seized 
and thrown Mrs. Grosser upon the ground. He thereupon fired ; the shot 
missed and Smith ran out, but as he passed he fired again, shooting him 
in the arm. Smith continued running until he fell on receiving another 
shot in the body, from the effects of which he died two days afterward. 
Grosser, after calling to a man near by and telling what he had done, 
ran to a neighboring house, which he entered in a frenzy of excitement 
and said he had killed Smith. Neighbors were quickly gathered, who re- 
moved Smith to the house and found Mrs. Grosser upon the milk-cellar 
floor in a swoon, with her lower limbs exposed below the knees. It was 
half an hour before she became conscious and was able to relate the cir- 
cumstances of the assault until the moment of being thrown upon the 
ground, when she swooned and became unconscious. The statements of 
the circumstances made by Grosser and his wife were accepted as the 
truth by the neighbors generally. But rumors soon gained currency that 
an improper intimacy known to Grosser had subsisted for some time be- 
tween his wife and Smith, and that the story of the assault upon her 
had been invented to furnish a reason for killing him in the hope of 
thus being able to avoid payment of what they owed him. It was upon 
such testimony as was offered in support of the charge or theory of such 
a design that Grosser was held for trial on the charge of murder, the 
case having been set for Tuesday next. All day Friday, Saturday, and 
Sunday were spent by Mrs. Grosser in company with her husband, and 
she seemed deeply distressed by the reports reflecting upon her charac- 
ter and the charges of plotting the murder of Smith. About ten o'clock 



192 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Sunday night Grosser called to Robert Lyle, in an adjoining cell on one 
side of his, and asked if he could lend him a pencil. Lyle replied that he 
could, and threw his pencil up through the ventilating grating in such 
a way that it fell through the grating of Grosser's cell. With this pencil 
he is supposed to have concluded a writing covering four or five sheets 
of note-paper, commencing with the date of July ist. This writing was 
found between the pages of a magazine or pamphlet in the cell. It is 
somewhat disconnectedly written, and is without signature. In sub- 
stance, it is as follows : 

" ^I herewith make a statement. From what I hear, they are making 
numerous charges about me and my wife. About the larceny of sheep, 
when under attachment, I had no reason to suppose I was doing wrong 
in moving them over the county Hne. Mr. White and others knew all 
about the matter. I was attending to the sheep for Smith, and always 
thought he was a respectable man until of late. The horses and stock 
were assessed to me and my wife by Smith's request, as he said it would 
be better to have the taxes all paid together. A year ago last fall Smith 
requested me to sell the cattle if I could get twenty-five dollars per 
head for them all around. I told him it would be impossible, they were 
too poor, and then he told me to do the best I could with them. When 
he came back from Europe, he was well satisfied with what I had done. 
I told him about the crop and everything. He thought it best not to sell 
the grain until it would bring a better price. I gave him an order on 
Charles Clayton to sell, and understood him to say that he had sold, but 
don't know as yet what he got, but told me he had the account. When 
we undertook to settle I knew I owed him. I proposed to let him have 
the growing crop. He said he would rather not take it, as there was no 
telhng what it would be. I know he has paid out money for lumber and 
other things. I would have settled with him, but he would not pay half 
the store bill, as he had agreed. He had boarded with us most of the 
time last winter, and I had kept no account of it. I had also boarded all 
the men chopping wood, and had hauled it for him to Brentwood. When 
we commenced farming together I was to have half his horses, two of 
them valued at $150 and three others at $60. I had two cows ; one died 
and the other was with calf. I let him have that one for another, from 
which I raised a calf until it was a cow. I let them run with his. He had 
a great many, and I was to have the pick of two from the lot, but he 



EARLY CRIMINAL HISTORY 



193 



took away all the calves and said he would make it right. When we first 
started with sheep, I had $700 coming to me for which I and my wife 
had worked, and which I took in lambs at $2 a head. I then turned them 
over to him and went to work for him at $30 per month. My wife was 
cooking for herders and shearers when the sheep were sheared at the 
place where we Uved, and sometimes at other places. I worked for him 
until I moved over to Marsh Creek. In regard to this affair, most any 
other man would have done the same. I am satisfied my wife never had 
any improper intercourse with Smith or any other man. I was never in- 
side a jail until now. I never spent money unnecessarily. All I had I got 
honestly. I hear they are trying to make out that my wife is a prostitute, 
which I can't listen to no more — that hurts my feelings so much that I 
am tired of living.' 

**Then follows a statement of small sums due from Smith and himself 
together to various individuals, and the writing concludes as follows : 
*I never, never thought of getting in this trouble a day or two before it 
happened. I often walked from place to place. I did not know what I 
was looking for. I am indebted to Mr. Welch $12 for that pistol. I think 
I am going to a better world. I forgive everybody the same I would take 
myself. I was too easy (or accommodating) for my own good.'" 



CHAPTER XVII 
BENCH AND BAR 

BY HON. R. H. LATIMER 

The history of the bench of Contra Costa County may be divided into 
two periods — first, the period from the time of the organization of the 
State under the constitution of 1849 to the adoption of the constitution 
of 1879, and, second, the period from the adoption of the constitution 
of 1879 to the present time. 

The county of Contra Costa was organized by an act of the first leg- 
islature, in 1850, at its first session. This act also established the county 
seat at the town of Martinez, where it has ever since remained. 

The constitution of 1849 vested the judicial powers of the State of 
California in a supreme court, a district court, county courts, and jus- 
tices of the peace. The California legislature, in its first session in 1850, 
vested the judicial powers in accordance with the constitution of 1849, 
as follows: The State was divided into nine judicial districts, which 
districts were composed of the several counties, and the county of Con- 
tra Costa was placed in the Third Judicial District, then composed of 
the counties of Brance forte, Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and Monterey. 
. The constitution of 1849 also provided that the judges of the district 
courts should be appointed by the joint vote of the legislature at its 
first meeting, and such judges to hold office for two years from the first 
day of January next after their election, after which said judges should 
be elected by the quahfied electors of their respective districts at the 
general election and hold office for the term of six years. 

By the act of the legislature of 1853 the county of Contra Costa was 
transferred from the Third Judicial District to the Seventh Judicial 
District, which district embraced the counties of Solano, Napa, Sono- 
ma, and Marin, and said county continued to be in the Seventh Judicial 
District until 1862, when it was again transferred from the Seventh 
Judicial District to the Fourth Judicial District, which district em- 
braced this county and a portion of the city and county of San Fran- 
cisco lying north and east of Clay and Kearny streets. Contra Costa 



BENCH AND BAR 



195 



County continued to be a part of the Fourth Judicial District until, by 
an act of the legislature of 1863, it was annexed to the Third Judicial 
District, composed of the counties of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa 
Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa, and continued to be annexed to the 
said district until, by an act of the legislature of 1864, it was annexed to 
the Fifteenth Judicial District, composed of that portion of the city and 
county of San Francisco included in the Twelfth Judicial District and 
the Fourth Judicial District and Contra Costa County, and continued 
annexed to said district until the adoption of the constitution of 1879. 

The judges of the District Court were as follows : At its first session 
in 1850 said legislature by joint vote elected John Watson, and he held 
the office of the judge of the Third Judicial District until 185 1, when 
he resigned, and C. P. Hester was appointed by the governor and filled 
the office until the next election, and at the next election, in 1853, Hes- 
ter was elected and continued to preside as judge of said district until 
Contra Costa County was attached to the Seventh Judicial District, 
when E. W. McKinstry was elected judge of said district and continued 
td preside until March, 1862, when the county was annexed to the 
Fourth Judicial District, with Samuel F. Reynolds then presiding, who 
continued to act as such judge until April 25, 1863. At that date Contra 
Costa County was annexed to the Third Judicial District, of which 
Samuel B. McKee was the judge presiding, who continued to act as 
such judge until April 4, 1864. Contra Costa County was then annexed 
to the Fifteenth Judicial District, wherein Samuel H. Dwindle was 
judge, and who through subsequent re-elections continued to act in that 
capacity until January, 1880, when the constitution of 1879 changed the 
judicial system. 

By an act of the first session of the legislature of 1850 a county court 
was established in Contra Costa County, over which from that time up 
to the adoption of the constitution of 1879, the following judges pre- 
sided: F. M. Warmcastle, 1850-53; J. F. Williams, 1853; R. N. Wood, 
1853-55 ; George F. Worth, 1855-56; Thomas A. Brown, 1857-63 ; Mark 
Shepard, 1864-70; C. W. Lander, 1871-73; Thomas A. Brown, 1874-78. 

SECOND PERIOD 

The constitution of 1879 vested the judicial powers of the State in a 
supreme court, a superior court, justices of the peace, and such inferior 



196 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

courts as the legislature may establish in any incorporated city or town 
or city and county, and also provided there shall be in each of the or- 
ganized counties or cities and counties of the State a superior court, 
for each of which at least one judge shall be elected by the quahfied 
electors at the general State election to be held in 1879. Contra Costa 
County was assigned one judge. At the election of 1879 Thomas A. 
Brown was elected to that office, and presided until his death in 1886, 
when Judge F. M. Warmcastle was appointed by the governor as his 
successor. Judge Warmcastle held the office only until after the election 
of 1886, when Joseph P. Jones was elected and continued to act as such 
judge until his death, in early part of 1900. William S. Wells was then 
appointed by the governor to succeed Judge Jones, and occupied the 
bench until January, 1909. Judge R. H. Latimer was elected at the gen- 
eral election of 1908 to succeed Judge Wells, and has continued to act 
as judge of said court ever since that date. By an act of the legisla- 
ture of 1913 the county of Contra Costa was assigned two judges, and 
at the general election of 1914 A. B. McKenzie was elected to preside 
over the second department of the court, and at present fills that po- 
sition. 

MEMBERS OF THE BAR OF CONTRA COSTA 

Thomas A. Brown was born on October 16, 1823, in Greene County, 
State of lUinois, and is the eldest of four children of Elam and Sarah 
Brown. During his infancy the family moved to Morgan County, Illi- 
nois, where they settled on a farm about ten miles west of Jacksonville. 
The family resided there until 1837, when they moved to Platte County, 
Missouri, where they again settled on a farm near the town of Weston. 
During 1842 and 1843 the settlement of the country about the mouth 
of the Columbia River, in Oregon, and emigration to California and 
other places west of the Rocky Mountains were beginning to be agi- 
tated, and in May, 1843, Brown joined a party of emigrants and crossed 
the mountains to Oregon. He arrived at Willamette Falls late in the fall 
of that year. On that journey the party suffered many annoyances and 
privations not common to travelers who now cross the plains from the 
Missouri River to the Pacific Ocean. This little band left Westport, near 
the western line of Missouri. After crossing the west boundary of Mis- 
souri the country until Fort Laramie was reached was entirely unin- 



BENCH AND BAR 



197 



habited by white people. At that place there were a few traders. Thence 
they proceeded to Fort Bridger, from there to Fort Hall, and thence to 
Fort Boise near the Granderonde Valley on Snake River, which was an 
unbroken wilderness. There were a few trappers at Fort Bridger, others 
at Fort Hall and Fort Boise, and Doctor Whitman and some others at 
Walla Walla. These were the only white people found on the route from 
the Missouri line to Fort Vancouver. There were plenty of Indians, but 
not generally troublesome. At that time Oregon was considered to be 
about as far away from other civilized society as it was possible to get. 
There were then a few hundred white people, generally very good peo- 
ple, in what is now the State of Oregon. To illustrate the condition of 
things then, the only regular communication with the United States was 
by sailing vessels or by the annual immigration. Messengers bearing 
news required about six months to make the trip in one direction, or 
twelve months to get word in return. The people who went across the 
mountains in 1843 left Missouri in May of that year. The nominations 
of candidates for President and Vice-President were not made until 
afterward. It was not known by them who was nominated or elected 
President until late in the fall of 1844, six or seven months after Polk 
had been inaugurated. 

While in Oregon Brown resided the greater portion of the time at 
Oregon City, and was engaged chiefly in the business of surveying and 
as civil engineer. He surveyed a great number of claims for settlers in 
different parts of the Territory, and also several town-sites, among 
others that of Portland, now the principal city of the State. The survey 
of Portland was made about 1844, and while there engaged the survey- 
ors were compelled to live in a tent on the bank of the river, there being 
up to that time no house at that place. 

During the early part of the year 1847, Brown came to California on 
a visit to his father and family, who had crossed the plains during the 
summer of 1846, and then resided at the mission of Santa Clara. He 
remained in California a few weeks, and then went back to Oregon for 
the purpose of closing up his business, intending to return to Califor- 
nia. While making preparations to return to this State, news of the dis- 
covery of gold at Sutter's Mill reached Oregon and resulted in a gen- 
eral rush from that country to this. Brown returned to California by 
sea, and by reason of bad weather did not arrive at San Francisco until 



198 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

late in the fall of 1848. He remained during the winter at the mission of 
San Jose. 

In the spring of 1849, with a party, he went into the mines, where he 
remained but a few months, returning and settling at Martinez, where 
he has ever since resided. During 1849 he, his brother Warren, and his 
brother-in-law, N. B. Smith, engaged in mercantile business, which they 
soon abandoned. During the same year Brown was appointed alcalde of 
the district by the then governor of California. He held that office until 
the organization of the county government in April, 1850, when he was 
elected county clerk and recorder, and held that office until 1855, when 
he retired from that position and was elected supervisor, holding that 
office for one year. 

During his term of office as county clerk he commenced the study of 
law and was admitted to practice in the District Court in the year 1855. 
Soon after this he entered into active practice. In i860 he was licensed 
to practice in the Supreme Court and the several courts of the State, 
as well as in the United States District and Circuit courts in this State. 
He continued in active practice until January, 1880, when he was elec- 
ted and qualified as judge of the Superior Court, when he gave up pri- 
vate practice entirely. He was elected county judge in 1856, and con- 
tinued in that office until January, 1864. 

At a meeting of the members of the Contra Costa bar in open court 
at the courthouse in Martinez, on Thursday, December 10, 1863, the 
following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted, and on 
motion were entered in the minutes : 

"In County Court, State of California, Contra Costa County, Hon. 
Thomas A. Brown presiding, December 10, 1863. 

"Whereas, Hon. Thomas A. Brown being about to retire from the 
bench, we, the members of the bar, deem it just and respectful to ex- 
press and record our appreciation of the integrity and ability with 
which, during the last eight years, he has discharged the various duties 
which have devolved upon him as the judge of this court; therefore — 

"Resolved, That it is the unanimous sentiment of the members of this 
bar that Hon. Thomas A. Brown, during a continuous term of eight 
years in the official capacity of judge of this court, has earned for him- 
self the reputation of an urbane, able, and upright judge. 



BENCH AND BAR 199 

"Resolved, That it is the unanimous request of the members of this 
bar that the foregoing proceeding, preamble, and resolutions be entered 
in the minutes of this court." 

In 1865 he was elected to the assembly, and served during the sessions 
of the legislature for 1865-66 and for the years 1867-68. In the session 
of 1865-66, Judge Brown was chairman of the judiciary committee in 
the assembly, and at the next session had the Republican nomination for 
the United States Senate when Eugene Casserly was elected. 

In January, 1874, he was appointed county judge, to fill the vacancy 
caused by the death of Judge Lander. On the expiration of the term he 
was elected to that office, and held it until January, 1880, when he be- 
came judge of the Superior Court. While he held the office of county 
judge his practice as attorney was confined to business in the District 
Courts, the Supreme Court, and the Federal Courts. 

Joseph P. Jones was born in Owen County, Indiana, January 27, 
1844. In 1853, when he was nine years old, his parents moved to Marion 
County, Oregon, where he attended the common schools, and afterward 
entering the Willamette University, at Salem, there received a thorough 
scholastic training, and finally graduated, Artium Baccalaureus, in 1864. 
In 1865, he returned to Indiana, matriculated at the State University, 
in Bloomington, where he entered upon the study of law, and gradu- 
ated therefrom in 1867. His legal curriculum finished, he returned to 
Oregon, but shortly after located at the mines in the northern portion 
of California, where he resided until December, 1869. In that year he 
came to Martinez, Contra Costa County, and entered upon the practice 
of his profession, in which he has achieved considerable success. Upon 
the election of Hiram Mills to the post of district attorney, Jones was 
appointed deputy to the office and continued as such until the fall of 
1875, when he was nominated and elected on the Republican ticket to 
the office of district attorney, the functions of which he held until 
March, 1878. After a lapse of two years, he again entered the political 
arena, and in the fall of 1880 was elected to the assembly, and served 
at the general and extra sessions of the legislature, being a member of 
the judiciary committee, as well as chairman of the committee on fed- 
eral relations. He is now practicing his profession in partnership with 
Hiram Mills, a lawyer long associated with Contra Costa, under the 
style of Mills & Jones. He married in Martinez, February 2, 1870, Jen- 



200 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

nie Frazer, a native of Oregon, and has three surviving children — Mad- 
ison R., Thomas Rodney, and Carl Richard. 

F. M. Warmcastle, born November i6, 1815, at the town of Butler, 
Butler County, Pennsylvania, went to Pittsburg at the age of seventeen, 
remaining there some three years. He then went to Maysville, Ken- 
tucky, and remained there until 1839, spending the winters in the South- 
west flat-boating and distributing agricultural implements. On leaving 
Kentucky, he went to Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, early in 1840, 
remaining there until 1841, engaged in manufacturing wagons, plows, 
etc. After this he located in Platte City, the county seat of Platte Coun- 
ty, Missouri, read law, and in the year 1842 emigrated to Nott County, 
Missouri, and was admitted to the bar at the spring session of the Cir- 
cuit Court of Savannah, the county seat of Andrew County, Missouri, 
Judge D. R. Atchison presiding, Peter H. Burnett, circuit attorney. He 
located that year in that portion of Nott County afterward (1844)' 
organized as the county of Atchison, practiced law at Linden, the coun- 
ty seat, and represented the county in the Missouri legislature, as its 
first representative, in 1846. He joined the volunteer service, as first 
lieutenant of Captain Creig's company of Missouri mounted volunteers, 
in the spring of 1847, was mustered into the service of the United 
States at Fort Leavenworth, and was appointed acting assistant com- 
missary of subsistence. The command was ordered to the Indian coun- 
try to overawe the Indian tribes, there being no military force in the 
direction of Oregon, the rifle regiment raised a few years before for 
that purpose having been ordered to Mexico. 

He remained in the Indian country until the winter of 1848, was mus- 
tered out of service at Fort Leavenworth, leaving for California in 
1849, overland, and was among the first immigrants to arrive at Sacra- 
mento, about the middle of August of that year. He went to the mines 
on the Yuba River, stayed there until the early rains, and, returning 
to Sacramento, remained there a short time. About that time the elec- 
tion to ratify the constitution of the new State came off, and the election 
immediately followed for State officers and members of the legislature. 

Warmcastle then went to Benicia, crossing the Straits of Carquinez 
at Martinez, and from there through what is now Contra Costa and 
Alameda counties, via the mission of San Jose, proceeded to the city 
of San Jose, remaining there a spectator of the daily sessions of the leg- 



BENCH AND BAR 20I 

islature, and becoming somewhat acquainted with many of the men who 
afterward occupied official positions in the State, returning to Martinez 
in February of 1850. In the spring the several counties of the State 
having been organized by the legislature at its first session, he was 
elected county judge of Contra Costa County, and held the position un- 
til December, 1853, when he resigned, having been elected to the as- 
sembly. At the close of the legislative session he resumed the practice 
of the law in Martinez. 

He was married at San Francisco in February, 1855, and resided in 
Martinez until the fall of that year, when he located some six miles 
from Martinez, on a farm that he bought in 1852 and improved. This 
farm is situated one mile south of the town of Pacheco, not then in ex- 
istence. He was elected to the assembly in 1857, and in i860 was elected 
to the State senate in the district composed of the counties of Contra 
Costa and San Joaquin. 

Between the years 1870 and 1874, he visited the Eastern States twice, 
being absent about one and a half years. He resided on his farm until 
1877, when he was elected district attorney for Contra Costa County, 
holding the office for two years, since which time he has been engaged 
in the practice of the law. At present he is Uving in Martinez. 

Among the many attorneys who have belonged to the bar of Contra 
Costa County since the organization of the county, besides those who 
have held judicial positions as hereinbefore stated, are the following: 
J. F. Williams, the first district attorney of this county; L. B. Mizner, 
who removed to Solano County and practiced law there for a number 
of years before his death; Hiram Mills, who was district attorney of 
the county for fourteen years, between 1855 and 1875, afterward prac- 
ticing law until his death ; Mark Shepard, who was district attorney for 
one term, and then practiced law until his death ; George W. Bailey for 
a number of years prior to his death was a prominent member of this 
bar ; C. W. Lander from 1869 to the time of his death, in 1874, was one 
of the prominent members of this bar; L. M. Brown, a brother of the 
late Judge Thomas A. Brown, practiced here from 1870 to the time of 
his death, in 1874; A. P. Needles, who for a short time before moving 
to San Francisco was a member of this bar; Eli R. Chase practiced 
here from 1865 up to the time of his death, a few years ago, and was 
district attorney for two terms ; W. S. Tinning, who has been the leader 



202 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

of the bar for a number of years, commenced the practice of law here 
1880 and has continued ever since. We also have had G. W. Bowie, A. 
H. Griffith, W. B. Wallace, Jr., and C. Y. Brown, all of whom have 
passed away. C. Y. Brown held the office of district attorney here for a 
number of years prior to his death. 

The bar has grown rapidly and has now among its members in Mar- 
tinez, M. R. Jones, son of the late Judge J. P. Jones, Ralph Wight, Rex 
Boyer, E. B. Taylor, Leo F. Tormey, Archie Tinning, son of W. S. 
Tinning, J. E. Rodgers, A. F. Bray and John O. Wyatt ; in Richmond, 
T. H. DeLap, H. V. Alvarado, J. G. Gerlach, D. J. Hall, C. S. Hannum, 
C. D. Horner, H. E. Jacobs, J. M. Opsahl, Wilber S. Pierce, W. S. 
Robenson, H. J. Wildgrube, Lee D. Windrem ; in Antioch, A. C. Hart- 
ley and Matthew Ward ; in Pittsburg, R. N. Wolf ; in Concord, A. S. 
Sherlock. 

Judge John H. Watson was appointed the first district judge of the 
Third Judicial District, which included the counties of Contra Costa, 
Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. He died at Elko, Nevada. He 
was a pioneer of California and Nevada and the founder of Watson- 
ville, California. He was also a State senator. 

Hon. Craven P. Hester was born May 17, 1796. Studied law at 
Charleston under Judge Scott, one of the judges of the Supreme Court 
of Indiana. In 1821 he removed to Bloomington, Indiana, where he 
continued to practice until 1849, when he crossed the plains with his 
family to Cahfornia. He was elected district attorney of the Third Ju- 
dicial District in October, 1850. In May, 1851, he resigned that office 
and was forthwith appointed by the governor judge of the district, to 
fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Judge Watson. In Sep- 
tember following he was elected to the same office until the next gen- 
eral election in 1852, when he was re-elected for the full term of six 
years. 

Judge E. W. McKinstry was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1826. He 
came to California in June, 1849, and engaged in law practice at Sacra- 
mento in 1850, was in the first legislature, and was elected adjutant- 
general at the age of twenty- four years. In 185 1 he opened a law 
office in Napa, and in the fall of 1852 he was elected district 
judge for the district comprising Napa and contiguous counties, being 
re-elected in September, 1858, but resigned in November, 1862. In 1863 



BENCH AND BAR 203 

he was the Democratic candidate for Heutenant-governor, and was de- 
feated with his ticket. He went to Washoe, Nevada, in the flush times, 
and in 1864 he and John R. McConnell and W. C. Wallace were the 
Democratic nominees for supreme justices of the State of Nevada. 

Returning to California, and locating in San Francisco, he was, in 
October, 1867, elected county judge on the Democratic ticket for a term 
of four years from January i, 1868. In October, 1869, he was elected 
judge of the Twelfth District Court as an independent candidate over 
the regular Democratic nominee, R. R. Provines. In 1873, again as an 
independent candidate, he was elected a justice of the Supreme Court 
over Samuel H. Dwinelle, Republican. 

Judge McKinstry resigned from the Supreme Bench on October i, 
1888, to become professor of municipal law in the Hastings Law Col- 
lege, San Francisco, but in 1890 again took up the practice of the law. 
He died in San Jose, CaHfornia, November i, 1901. 

Judge Samuel F. Reynolds was a native of New York State, and died 
February 12, 1877, of apoplexy, at the age of sixty-eight years. He 
came to California in the early days and filled the office of district judge 
of the Fourth Judicial District for a term of six years, after which he 
resumed active practice in the profession. He was a prominent Odd 
Fellow, in which order he filled several important offices. 

Samuel H. Dwinelle was born in 1822 in Cazenovia, Madison County, 
New York, and came to this State in 1850, locating in Sonora, Tuolum- 
ne County. He soon removed to San Francisco and continued to prac- 
tice law. In 1858-59 Judge Dwinelle was a law partner of E. D. Baker. 
In 1865, when the Fifteenth Judicial District was created, comprising 
a part of San Francisco and all of Contra Costa County, Governor Low 
appointed him to the bench of that court, and at the next general elec- 
tion he was chosen by the people for a full term of six years. 

Judge Dwinelle presided at the first trial of Laura D. Fair, who was 
convicted before him of the murder of A. P. Crittenden, and he sen- 
tenced her to death in 1870. 

Judge Dwinelle died January 12, 1886, of apoplexy, at his home in 
San Francisco. 

Hon. William S. Wells, at present presiding in department four of 
the Superior Court of Alameda County, enjoys the distinction of being 
the first superior judge in the county to receive the Republican nomina- 



204 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



tion for that office direct from the people. Judge Wells was born in 
Fairfield, Solano County, June 24, 1861. His father practiced law in So- 
lano County, and later in San Francisco. He resided in Oakland at the 
time of his death, which occurred on Christmas day, 1878. 

Judge Wells attended the public schools, and later entered St. Augus- 
tine College, Benicia, and completed his studies at the University of Cal- 
ifornia. He was admitted to the bar in 1884, and began the practice of 
his profession in Contra Costa County. In 1886 he feceived the appoint- 
ment of assistant district attorney of this county. He was appointed 
judge of the Superior Court of this county January 26, 1899, in place of 
Joseph P. Jones, deceased. Judge Wells was afterward elected to fill 
the unexpired term and again for a full term, which expired in January, 
1909. In April of the same year he was appointed to the Superior Court 
of Alameda County. 

Judge Wells is prominently known in fraternal circles, being past 
grand master of Masons of California, and a member of Oakland 
Lodge, No. 191. He is also a member of the B. P. O. E. and the Wood- 
men of the World. 

Alfred Bailey McKenzie, judge of the Superior Court of Contra Cos- 
ta County, department two, was born at Goderich, Ontario, in 1861. He 
came to the United States in 1880 and followed mercantile pursuits in 
New York until 1891, when he came to California, and in 1892 entered 
Hastings College of the Law and graduated with the class of 1895, re- 
ceiving the degree of Bachelor of Laws from the University of Califor- 
nia. In June, 1895, he commenced the practice of law at Martinez, and 
has resided there ever since. In November, 1914, he was elected judge 
of the Superior Court of the State of California, in and for the county 
of Contra Costa, for a new department of the court, which office was 
created by the legislature in 1912, to take effect at the general election 
of 1914. At the time of his election to the bench he was district attorney 
of Contra Costa County, to which office he was elected in 1910. 

In 1897 Judge McKenzie married Melvina I. Durham, a school teach- 
er and a graduate of the San Jose State Normal School. Mrs. McKen- 
zie is a daughter of J. E. Durham, who is one of the early settlers in 
Contra Costa County. 

Judge McKenzie is a Republican, and was chairman of the Republi- 
can County Central Committee during the campaign of 1908. 



CHAPTER XVIII 
. EDUCATIONAL 

EARLY MARTINEZ SCHOOLS 

The first school in Martinez, in the early part of 1850, was taught by 
Beverly R. HoUiday. HoHiday had his first experience in school-teach- 
ing in Illinois, at the early age of fifteen years. After coming to Mar- 
tinez, he passed an examination and was declared qualified to teach. 
His school at first consisted of five or six pupils from two or three fam- 
ilies. These pupils gathered in the Blossom house, later known as the 
Gift house, near Thomas Hill, at the entrance of Bay View Park. Dur- 
ing the two terms that Holliday taught the number of pupils increased 
from six to twenty-six. 

In the fall of 1850 Holliday was succeeded by M. Laughlin. In 1851 
Mrs. Rice was the teacher in an old house, and there were about thir- 
teen pupils. Hinckley was the next teacher; he taught a three-month 
term in 1852, in a house which stood on Mills Street near Main, used in 
after years for a Chinese laundry. Six or seven pupils attended this 
school. In 1853 Moore taught in a small brick building near the corner 
of Main and Ferry streets. He had only a few pupils and did not teach 
long. Later in 1853 Mrs. Phoebe R. Alley taught in a house owned by 
C. C. Swain. She lived upstairs and used her kitchen as a school-room. 
Rough seats were made and a curtain drawn to hide the kitchen stove. 
The sessions lasted from 9 to 12 and from i to 4. Between sessions the 
school-room was again used for a kitchen. It was during Mrs. Alley's 
term as teacher that the school first received aid from the State. Before 
beginning to teach she was examined by the board of trustees. The 
scholars studied whatever they liked best. School-books were of varied 
assortments, each pupil bringing a different book, as there was no law 
providing for the uniformity of text-books. Hiram Mills was the next 
teacher. He taught a six-month term in 1854, in a brick building on 
Ferry Street. The pupils varied their exercises with recitations, origi- 
nal essays, and songs. 



2o6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

In 1854 the Rev. Mr. Sanbourne had a school in a small house that 
was a part of Mrs. Henry Hale's dwelling, but afterward in a building 
situated on Main Street, near the site of the Blum block. This school 
was an ambitious one, and its friends offered prizes to those who had 
the highest standing. The girls received most of the prizes, and some- 
times two and three prizes each. A debating society and spelling-school 
frequently held forth in the evening. These "spelling downs" were at- 
tended by old and young alike, and doctors and lawyers would try their 
skill against the others. J. Vandermark, the first superintendent of 
schools in this county, held office during this year. 

In 1856, Doctor Holmes taught in a double house; besides doing ser- 
vice as a schoolhouse, it was used as church, courthouse, and Masonic 
lodge hall. Later in 1856 Miss Gregory, a graduate of Oberlin College, 
taught in this building. This was considered a fine school of thirty- 
three pupils. Miss Charlotte Worth was assistant. In 1857 Miss Greg- 
ory was succeeded by Miss Jane Lyon. Twenty pupils were taking high- 
school work, and there were twelve primary scholars, besides the inter- 
mediate grades. The building was too small for such a school, and Miss 
Lyon had to teach the primary classes at noon while eating her lunch. 
Her time was fully occupied from eight in the morning till late in the 
evening. She labored under difficulties through lack of books and ap- 
paratus, supplying much of the equipment herself. During the winter a 
stove was borrowed and fuel was furnished by the pupils. The stove- 
pipe consisted of three lengths of different sizes, which teacher and 
pupils put together with mortar and wire. Just as two visitors entered 
the school, down came the stove-pipe. Miss Lyon stated to her guests 
that the school was not in order just then, but if they would kindly step 
out and take a view of the hills she would soon be ready to receive 
them. In the early part of 1858 Miss Lyon accepted a position in the 
Sacramento schools, and Miss Eliza May filled the vacancy caused by 
Miss Lyon resigning. Miss May remained during two terms, and also 
took an active part in the social life of Martinez. S. H. Bushnell was 
next employed, coming in September, 1858. One of his pupils relates an 
incident that was typical of that time : Two boys were to be punished, 
and were sent out to cut a switch. They went to the creek, cut a fine 
green poison-oak switch, and brought it in to the teacher. The boys had 
a vacation lasting two weeks, while the teacher nursed a bad case of 



EDUCATIONAL 207 

poison-oak. The pupils numbered forty-eight, too large an attendance 
for so small a building. In i860 the school was removed to the lower 
floor of the Masonic Hall. Bushnell continued teaching for two years 
in this building. In May, 1873, a two-story schoolhouse of four rooms 
was erected. D. T. Fowler was the last teacher in the Masonic Hall and 
the first in the new building. He was assisted in the new building by his 
wife and Miss Conners. As the public funds permitted only an eight- 
month school, the ladies formed an Educational Aid Society, of which 
Mrs. Alley was president. Money was raised by entertainments and pri- 
vate subscription to pay the teachers for two months more, so that a 
ten-month school could be maintained. The society also purchased 
school-desks, bought a piano, and laid a two-plank sidewalk from Main 
Street to the schoolhouse. 

About 1888 a law was passed which provided for a two-year high- 
school course in the public schools. Miss Clara K. Wittenmyer was then 
principal of the Martinez grammar school. Under this law she estab- 
lished a class, at first teaching both grammar and high-school classes 
herself. Later Miss Bertola taught the graduating class of the grammar 
school and Miss Wittenmyer taught the high school. 

Some members of the class who were preparing to teach carried 
twenty-two subjects. Two classes were graduated, and the work was 
praised by University of California examiners. This was the beginning 
of high-school work in Contra Costa County. As the law proved defec- 
tive, the work was discontinued. A few years later a private high school 
was maintained under the direction of E. Stoddard, and continued until 
a law providing for a union high school was passed. 

With the addition of two rooms in 1890, this building provided for 
the educational needs of the community until 1907, when a building of 
modern type, containing nine class-rooms and a large auditorium, was 
erected on the same site. 

The growth of the school was gradual until 191 5, then, by converting 
assembly hall and play-room into class-rooms, besides erecting tempor- 
ary buildings, the increase in attendance was taken care of. In July, 
1916, a $52,000 bond was voted for the erection of a new building to 
face the present structure, but separated from it by a town park which 
had been turned over by the authorities to the school trustees for the 
use of the children. 



2o8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

The growth of the school is shown by an increase in attendance of 
two hundred in 1906 to six hundred in 191 6. 

In 1901 the Alhambra Union High School, composed of Martinez, 
Vine Hill, Franklin, Alhambra, and Briones districts, was established 
in Martinez. 

PITTSBURG SCHOOL 

The growth of the school system of Pittsburg is one of the most remark- 
able and interesting bits of history in the annals of our county. The 
splendid schools now existing in this thriving industrial center had their 
beginning when a small dwelling-house was moved bodily from Nor- 
tonville on a flat-car and deposited upon a lot which had been secured 
only by the pardonable subterfuge of representing that a livery stable 
was to be erected upon it. 

The little dwelling soon proved inadequate and was sold to Charles 
Wilson, and, with additions, is still used by him as a residence. The 
electors erected what was considered at that time a large schoolhouse, 
the old brick school that still stands and renders service as a school- 
room. This also was outgrown and was supplemented by two wooden 
one-room buildings, which served until 1905, when the people erected 
a $20,000 modern building. 

It was only a short time, however, that children overflowed from this 
new building into the "old brick school," and it was necessary to rent 
several buildings from private owners and to construct temporary 
quarters. To relieve this situation, the people erected a building which, 
when completed, will cost from $85,000 to $90,000, and from present 
indications the growth will be such as to necessitate further equipment 
within a very few years. 

A comparison of the first official statistics of 1875 and those of today 

will show clearly the growth of this school : 

1875 1917 

Number of children attending school 39 850 

Salary of teachers for one year (i)! $750.00 (24) $21,931.92 

Cash paid for rents, contingent expenses, and 

building repairs 316.85 36,074.49 

Total expenditures 1,066.85 58,006.41 

Total receipts from State and county funds. . . 203.72 29,026.00 



EDUCATIONAL 209 

Total amount received from miscellaneous 

sources 108.63 10,425.80 

Total receipts for year 312.35 39,451.80 

EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

It is a noteworthy and highly creditable fact that the early settlers of 
eastern Contra Costa County generally considered the school as an in- 
stitution of primary importance. The foundations of their schoolhouses 
were laid contemporaneous with, and in some instances before, their 
places of worship. 

Usually the start was made by voluntary contributions of materials 
— labor or money for their construction — and the buildings were cheap 
or of a temporary nature that later were found inadequate, and gave 
place to the larger, more commodious, and ornamental structures that 
now adorn every considerable center of population. 

It will be recalled that the first settlements were made along the 
water-front, skirting the margin of the delta, scattering and not con- 
tiguous, and a trudge of two or three miles by the pupil to reach the 
schoolhouse was not unusual ; but as the population increased the dis- 
tance lessened, until there are few localities left where the distance is 
more than a pleasant morning stroll from home to the schoolhouse door. 

Antioch being the oldest community was the first to erect a school- 
house and lay the foundation of a schooling with all the best traditions 
of its State of Maine progenitors. Captain Kimball and Parson Smith 
brought with them from their New England homes to the new and un- 
peopled land the spirit and exalted hopes that characterized their Pil- 
grim ancestry — the little red schoolhouse and the church spire were the 
symbols of their faith in the progress of humanity, and they made haste 
to build them deep into the superstructure of the social fabric of the 
new empire that they came here to aid in constructing ; hence the school- 
house came early to the front, continuing thus until it culminated in the 
splendid high-school edifice that graces a conspicuous prominence. 

The gathering population in the vicinity of the Iron House (that de- 
rives its name from the odd conceit of one of its early settlers, who, for 
the lack of other material, weather-boarded his cabin with scraps of 
sheet iron and tin cut from discarded oil-cans) created the necessity for 
a school-building, and in 1868 one was erected. The site chosen was on 



210 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

the north side of the road just east of Marsh Creek, near the Santa Fe 
Railroad crossing. Later the building was removed to its present site, 
and in 1896 it was replaced with a new and artistically designed struc- 
ture. The area of the Iron House district formerly embraced all of the 
territory between Antioch district and Eden Plain, including the Jersey 
Island and Sand Mound tracts of the delta. In 1885 or 1886 these 
tracts were segregated from it and the Sand Mound district organ- 
ized. A small schoolhouse was erected on the north side of Taylor 
Slough and a school maintained there for several years, but later aban- 
doned. 

The first movement to establish a school in the Eden Plain country 
was made in the summer of 1868. This school building was erected by 
voluntary subscription of labor and material on the premises of John 
Pierce, and a school maintained there for months before the district 
was permanently organized. Here it remained for some thirty-eight 
years, when a new site was purchased on the northeast corner of section 
5 and the present structure erected. The building is large and orna- 
mental, monumental of the progressive spirit of Knightsen and vicinity. 
As a historical item, we note in passing that it was at Eden Plain thft 
first Methodist Episcopal church was erected. It was a small steepleless 
building, and stood on the southeast quarter of section 5. It was nearly 
opposite the schoolhouse, and was built in 1868. Later it was removed 
to the town of Brentwood, occupied for service there for a while, then 
sold and used for a lodge-room, later as a private residence, and finally 
destroyed by fire in the conflagration of 191 5. 

The influx of settlers into the Point of Timber section in the latter 
'60s resulted in the organization of the Excelsior School District and 
the location of the school building on the southeast corner of the Neth- 
erton quarter. The style of construction and the lack of facilities ul- 
timately resulted in its demolition and the construction of a unique and 
pleasing structure in the Mission style of architecture, in keeping with 
the rich agricultural surroundings. 

The completion of the railroad in 1878, and the establishment of a 
station at that point, brought the town of Byron into existence and a 
cluster of population that was soon followed by the building of a school- 
house and church that seemingly go hand in hand. But several years 
ago that enterprising town outgrew the primitive schoolhouse and built 



EDUCATIONAL 21 1 

a beautiful and creditable building that is representative of the pro- 
gressive spirit of its citizens. 

As the county settled and the population grew, a school became a 
necessity not long to be ignored in the country south of Byron ; willing 
hands came readily to assist, and a small, though convenient, building 
was erected that accommodates that sparsely settled locality. The Hot 
Springs District, reaching to the county line, will not be long content 
with the miniature pattern of "the little red schoolhouse" of our boy- 
hood days, but in the larger future that is opening up in the construc- 
tion of its irrigation system there will come a demand for the accommo- 
dation of a rapidly growing population, whose interests, following in the 
line of its pioneers, will be centered in its schools. 

The organization of the Vasco Grant District and the building of a 
school in that sparsely settled region is an apt illustration of the desires 
of all classes to avail themselves of the advantages afforded by our pri- 
mary schools. As early as 1869 the Deer Valley people organized a 
school district and erected a schoolhouse on the farm of W. C. Haney, 
which was later removed to the Stockton ranch, a mile and a half to the 
northeast, to accommodate the near-by children of the coal miners. Here 
after a time the old building was disposed of and a new building erected 
on its present site, just behind the hill from its original location. 

The writer is not in possession of the date of the organization of the 
Lone Tree District (named from and presumably in honor of the lone 
oak-tree that stands near — a solitary sentinel of the valley that seems 
strangely out of place in treeless and shrubless surroundings). A new 
and handsome school building occupies the site of the original structure, 
indicative of the intelligent interest that the patrons manifest in school 
matters. 

The last of thirteen districts, but by no means the least in growing 
importance, is the Live Oak District, established to accommodate the 
population of what is known as the **sand country" and comprising the 
thriving and growing village of Oakley. The schoolhouse is located on 
the south side of the main thoroughfare leading from the town of An- 
tioch, and is a large up-to-date structure and destined to become one 
of the most populous schools of the whole number. It is new, the latest 
addition to our educational institutions. There are no memories of the 
past, no venerated associations clustering around it, no participants in 



212 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

the active affairs of life who can look back reverently and say, "Within 
its storied walls I studied out the confusing problems of algebra, or 
learned the rudiments of the three Rs, that carried me successfully 
through life," for it is yet new and without its traditions. 

The last of our references is to the organization of Brentwood School 
District, the thirteenth in the order named, though older than some 
others. The year 1878 seems to have been the fortuitous epoch, as the 
advent of the railroad and the opening up of the Brentwood Coal Mines 
induced the laying out of the town by the owners of the Los Meganos 
Rancho. Ample room was set apart for schools and churches, and the 
gathering inhabitants were not slow to avail themselves of the bequest. 
Under the active leadership of A. Duffenbach, a district was organized 
and a large single-room building erected — principally by donation. This 
served to accommodate the community until the latter '80s, when a con- 
tract was let for the construction of a large two-room addition, at a cost 
of $4300, built in the Eastlake style of architecture, with ample covered 
porches all around the structure. It was also provided with a bell, the 
first "these valleys and rocks ever heard," and two teachers were em- 
ployed. 

It would have been in accordance with the writer's desire to hand 
down to posterity through these historical pages the honored names of 
the trustees and founders of these public schools ; but in many instances 
no record is extant to refer to, and only a few are still remembered, and 
the record would therefore be only partial, and apparently discrimina- 
tive. In their public-spirited endeavors to promote the welfare of the 
rising generation in the establishment and promotion of the free school 
system — often done at an unusual and unselfish sacrifice of their time 
and money — they earned the gratitude of succeeding generations. Also, 
would it have been a pleasure to have recorded herein a list of all the 
teachers employed in the various schools, but, as only a partial list could 
be obtained, it was deemed best not to mention any. 

HIGH SCHOOLS 

The establishment of the high school as an intermediate between the 
grammar school and the university was intended to complete the chain 
in our State educational system from the kindergarten to the university. 
The necessity was long felt, and communities were not slow to avail 



EDUCATIONAL 213 

themselves of the opportunity to organize high-school districts. Antioch 
was the first to move in this respect, and some of her leading citizens, 
with Charles Montgomery, then editor of the Antioch Ledger, took an 
active part in the circulation of a petition to the county superintendent 
to call an election in the various districts for the purpose of uniting 
with Antioch in the foundation of a high-school district, with the view 
of locating the school at that point. The signatures of the trustees of 
several of the districts were obtained with the intention of securing the 
majority of the thirteen districts ; but the Brentwood trustees absolutely 
refused to sign the petition, on the ground that Brentwood was cen- 
trally located, that it was surrounded by districts contiguous in terri- 
tory, and that it was the logical and proper place for the location of a 
high school. The position taken by the Brentwood board was very bit- 
terly resented by the editor of the Ledger in a three-column article re- 
flecting on the motives of Mr. Dean, especially in refusing to call an 
election, and thus preventing his constituents from voting on the propo- 
sition. 

The stand taken by the board of trustees finally resulted in the re- 
tention of the territory, and when the proposition was afterward made 
to establish a high school at Brentwood the surrounding districts of Ex- 
celsior, Byron, Liberty, Deer Valley, Lone Tree, Live Oak, and Eden 
Plain readily assented, and the district was organized under the title of 
Liberty Union High School. Antioch organized under the name of 
Riverview. 

The first sessions of the Liberty Union High School were held for two 
or more seasons in the rear room of the grammar-school building. In 
1906 a high-school building was erected at a cost of $8500, and at this 
date (March, 1917) a corps of six teachers are employed. 

Riverview has also erected a fine new building, and both institutions 
are fully equipped and accredited to the University of California. 

SYCAMORE DISTRICT SCHOOL 

This school was organized in 1865, in a little plain redwood building. 
The ground upon which it stood was donated to the cause by Wade 
Hays. Rude benches without backs were the only seats, and, as there 
were no desks, the pupils placed their books beside them on the floor. 
In 1868 money was raised by subscription among the residents of the 



214 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

district, and the old building was replaced by one more in keeping with 
the times. The new schoolhouse was constructed by Mr. Dole, who also 
made the seats and the teacher's desk. 

The first teacher in 1865 was Miss Mary Hall, now Mrs. Moore, of 
Los Angeles. Next came Mr. Clark, then Mr. Fletcher, and Miss Simp- 
son, now Mrs. Brite. A. J. Young, of Danville, taught from 1869 to 
1873, and has seen many of the children of those days grow to man- 
hood and womanhood, for he and his good wife (later a teacher in the 
same school) have lived in their Danville home all the years since. 

From 1873 until 1890 the following teachers presided over the Syca- 
more school : Mrs. Rice, Miss Hoag, Miss Hammond, Miss Lewis, Miss 
Alison, Miss Mower, Mrs. Young, Mr. Burrel, Mr. Root, Mr. Mantz, 
Mr. Sheats, Mr. Sears, Miss Herrington, Miss Asmus, Miss Ida Hall 
(now of Danville school). Miss Kate Howard (now Mrs. Charles J. 
Wood), and from 1890 until the present Miss Charlotte Wood has 
held sway. Of these all are living, so far as I know, excepting Mr. 
Burrel and Mr. Root. Mr. and Mrs. Young, Mrs. Brite, Miss Hall, 
Miss Howard, and Miss Wood have resided continuously in this 
vicinity since serving their terms as teachers. 

A few years ago a caving of the creek bank necessitated moving the 
schoolhouse several feet nearer the road than the original location, and 
a little later the interior was remodeled. 

The Sycamore schoolhouse, in its earlier years particularly, was the 
social center of the neighborhood, and has been the scene of many a 
happy gathering in its fifty years' existence. 

The first trustees were Wade Hays and Charles Wood, who held 
the office many years. The present board are Mrs. J. L. Coats and 
Charles J. Wood. 

DANVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOL 

The Danville district was cut off from the San Ramon district in 
1865. The land for the first schoolhouse was donated by two old 
settlers, Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Nicholson. As a village was beginning to 
grow where the town of Danville now is, the schoolhouse was moved 
to its present location in 1871. 

The first trustees were R. O. Baldwin, J. O. Boone, and Jonathan 
Hoag. R. O. Baldwin remained trustee as long as he lived. 



EDUCATIONAL 215 

Many teachers have done good work in the Danville school; but 
tribute must be paid to the veteran teacher still living near Danville, 
A. J. Young, whose influence for good has molded the characters of 
many of the best citizens of the San Ramon Valley. After teaching 
eight years in San Ramon, four years in Sycamore, and four years in 
Tassajara, he devoted more than seventeen years of his busy life to 
teaching in the Danville school. During that time he spent a number 
of years as a member of the county board of education. 

Danville has grown to such an extent that, whereas a few years 
ago but one teacher was employed, there are now two teachers who 
are preparing pupils to enter the excellent San Ramon Valley High 
School. 

The trustees at the present time are C. W. Close, whose father was 
formerly a trustee, A. J. Abrott, and S. Johnson. 

EDEN PLAIN SCHOOL 

In the spring of 1868 the community of Eden Plains held a meeting 
for the purpose of forming a school district. The question arose as 
to where the school should be located. After some discussion, John 
Pierce was chosen to select the spot, and he located it in his own 
premises. Next in order was the getting of the lumber onto the 
grounds, for transportation was a difficult problem in those days. 
This was accomplished, however, and in a short time the school- 
house was completed. This building served its purpose for thirty- 
eight years. Miss Mary Lockhart was the first teacher, she remain- 
ing three months until the district was legally formed, and was paid 
by the patrons of the school. The next teacher was Mark Sickle. 

In 1905 it was found necessary to build a new schoolhouse, to be 
located nearer to the town of Knightsen. Four acres was purchased 
for a school site. The new structure was completed in June, 1906, at 
a cost of $7000 for building and grounds. It was occupied during the 
fall term of that year. 

In 1914 the number of pupils had increased so much that it was 
necessary to employ two teachers. The present teachers are Miss 
Edna Heidorn, principal, and Miss Pearl Gandrup, assistant. The 
number of pupils now enrolled is thirty-seven. 



2i6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

IRON HOUSE SCHOOL 

Late in the sixties the pioneers of the tule country in eastern Contra 
Costa County established the Iron House School District, naming it 
from a house lined with sheet-iron in that vincinity, and electing 
Mesdames Sellers, Babbe, and Walton as their first trustees. The first 
building was a mile west of the present site. School was opened with 
fifteen pupils. 

In 1883 Mr. Emerson donated a portion of his fine ranche for 
school-grounds, to revert to his estate should they ever cease to use 
it for that purpose and the schoolhouse was moved to its present 
site, a quarter of a mile south of the old Babbe landing. Miss Angie 
Wakeman was the first teacher. She later became an actress under 
the name of Keith Wakeman. She is now a successful photo-play 
writer in New York. 

In 1896, under the leadership of F. Morton, Thomas Rooney, and 
Frank Nugent, the present substantial building was erected. 

In years gone by as many as sixty-five pupils have attended the 
school. At the present time thirty are pursuing their studies under 
Mrs. AHce CoUis, a teacher of experience and ability, with the splen- 
did co-operation of E. B. Sellers, H. Tretheway, and J. Minta, as 
trustees. 

DEER VALLEY SCHOOL 

The Deer Valley School was established and built in 1869. The 
land was donated by W. C. Haney. The first trustees' meeting was 
held at the home of W. C. Haney, and W. C. Haney, W. J. Smith, 
and J. R. Filkins were elected to fill the duties of trustees until 
June, 1870; later J. R. Filkins moved away and the vacancy was filled 
by J. O. Diffin. The schoolhouse has been in three different locations. 
It was moved to within a short distance of its first location on the 
northwest corner of the Haney place, now occupied by the Betten- 
courts, then a mile and a half northeast on the Stockton ranch (now 
occupied by J. Van Buren). This was done to secure the children 
from the near-by mines. Then, as the house was old, it was abandoned, 
and a new building was erected where it now stands. 

The first teacher was Miss Emma McElroy, who was succeeded 
by Miss Susan Robinson (later Mrs. R. G. Houston, of Byron). Other 



EDUCATIONAL 217 

teachers were Miss Anzette Taylor, of Byron (later Mrs. Richard- 
son), and Miss Helana Calson. Later Mr. J. G. Parker taught for 
some years. 

The first pupils who attended were Mellisa Haney (now Mrs. 
Smith, of San Francisco), Sarah Haney (now Mrs. S. Hobson, of 
Antioch), T. C. Haney, of Antioch, Rosa Diffin (now Mrs. W. P. 
Howard, of Marsh Creek), William Juett, John Haney (dead some 
years), Eugene Filkins, and George and Mary Smith. 

LONE TREE SCHOOL 

The Lone Tree School was established in 1869. The first trustees were 
James Talbot, James Hornback, and WoodhuU Smith. Others were C. 
L. Donaldson, Thomas Shannon, and Robert Love; still later, John 
Fitzpatrick, H. B. Juett, Michael Campion, and C. A. Maylott; and 
again, Henry Heidorn, Patrick O'Brien, and Frank McFarland. The 
first teachers were Miss Fancher, Miss Dickson, and Susie Robinson; 
then Miss Jackson, Miss Eva Wilk, Miss Avyette Taylor, Ella B. 
Shaw, and Carrie C. Clifford. Among the first pupils were William and 
Fannie Hornback, Abraham and Emma Harris, William and Laura 
Donaldson, Fannie Newton, James Talbot, Caroline Levaria, John and 
Philo Fancher, Joe and Mary Laws, Sarah, Mary, and Annie Smith, 
Joseph and Alex. Miller, James and John Carey, Sylvester Wristen, 
Dan Carey, Valentine Blair, George and Elijah Wills, Agnes and Mary 
Lewis, Eli Plater, Frank, Antoinette, Caroline, and Anna Rasette, Pat- 
rick and Edward O'Brien, William and Frank Robinson, Janet and 
Archibald Love ; afterward the younger members of these families, in- 
cluding the Fitzpatricks, Shannons, Campions, Grennens, Juetts, Sul- 
lengers, Wealches, Heidorns, Lynches, Ganns, Haneys, and Maylotts. 
The second building was erected in 1883. The deed for the lot was se- 
cured from Chas. McLaughlin the day before he was killed, in 1883. 
The third building was erected in 1908. The location has never been 
changed. 

CONCORD GRAMMAR SCHOOL 

In 1870, just one year after the laying out of the town of Concord, 
the grammar school was started. The first teacher was Miss Annie 
Carpenter, who afterward became Mrs. Henry Policy. A good two- 



2i8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

story building was erected at the corner of Grant and Bonifacio 
streets. It consisted of only two class-rooms and library, but in the 
course of a few years this was inadequate for the growing attend- 
ance. Several buildings about town were used as extra class-rooms, 
even after a new building for primary classes was put up across the 
street from the old one. An old building near the corner of Mount 
Diablo and Colfax streets and the upper room in the Fireman's Hall 
were used for a time, but both proved very unsatisfactory. It was 
finally decided to build a schoolhouse of sufficient size to accomodate 
the growing attendance for many years, and in 1892 a modern six- 
class-room building was completed. It stands several blocks from 
the center of town on the Willow Pass road. Since its erection a one- 
room bungalow has been added, and some of the class-rooms di- 
vided, indicating at the present time a very crowded condition. The 
old schoolhouse stands today at the corner of Grant and Salvio 
streets, two blocks from its original location, a landmark in the town. 
Today the Concord Grammar School ranks among the best in the 
country, with an attendance of nearly three hundred and a corps 
of eight teachers. E. A. Palmer, the Misses Helen Morehouse, of San 
Francisco, Eleanor Bertola, of Alameda, Agnes Hoey, of Martinez, 
Grace Smith, Charlotte Boyd, Ellen Thurber, and Mary McKenzie, 
of Concord. Among former teachers are several well-known people 
in the county — W. S. Tinning, a prominent attorney of Martinez; 
Miss Ida Hall, of Alamo; Mrs. Susie Dunn DeSoto, now of Rio 
Vista ; Dr. Mariana Bertola, a physician of note in San Francisco ; A. 
A. Bailey, for many years superintendent of schools in Contra Costa 
County; Mrs. Jasper H. Wells, wife of the present county clerk; 
Mrs. S. W. Cunningham, of Bay Point ; Mrs. Thomas G. Smith and 
Mrs. F. F. Neff, of Concord. 

VINE HILL SCHOOL 

Twenty-five years ago (1892) October first our school building was 
completed. The teacher, Mrs. Matson, opened school with an attend- 
ance of twenty pupils, earning a salary of forty dollars per month. 
The schoolhouse is a structure of the old frame type. The district was 
bonded for sixteen hundred dollars to build it. In 1916 improvements 
costing five hundred dollars were made in the building. The lot on 



EDUCATIONAL 219 

which the building stands contains an acre of land, and was purchased 
for the sum of three hundred dollars. The first trustees were Captain 
J. F. Thoroe, James Kelly, and H. S. Ivey. 

Our school today has a daily attendance of thirty-five pupils, from 
first grade to eighth grade. The present teacher, Ethel B. Bernier, is 
paid ninety dollars a month, having taught here six years. 

The board of trustees at present are George H. Wright (clerk), Mrs. 
Julia Chandler Hill, and John Simonds. 

THE RICHMOND SCHOOLS 
BY WALTER T. HELMS, PH. B., CITY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS 

When in the year 1900, as the Santa Fe was completing its railway 
lines and terminals, the people began to settle in that territory that 
was soon to become the city of Richmond, it was part of the San Pablo 
School District. Consequently, when it became necessary to establish 
a school to provide for the children of these families the demand had 
to be met by the trustees of the San Pablo School District, who at 
that time were J. R. Nystrom, Harry Ells, and John Peres. 

The first school was opened in March, 1901, in Richards' Hall, with 
fifteen pupils and A. Odell as teacher. The school was under the super- 
vision of Mrs. L. E. Benedict, who at that time was principal of the 
San Pablo school. Mr. Odell taught for some time, when he was taken 
with typhoid fever and Miss Clesta Rumrill took his place. 

The school was moved from Richards' Hall to the basement of the 
Methodist church, to remain there until a building could be erected to 
accommodate it. There was considerable discussion as to a proper 
location for the school site; but it was finally located on Standard 
Avenue, near the Standard Oil Refinery, the site having been given for 
school purposes by the Tewksbury estate. 

In 1901 a two-room building was completed and the school moved 
into it, with Miss Emily Boorman as teacher and an attendance that 
had increased to eighty-seven pupils. In July of the same year W. T. 
Helms had been placed in charge of the schools in the San Pablo Dis- 
trict, which then included this school at Point Richmond, with one 
teacher, three teachers at San Pablo, and two at Stege, making six 
teachers in all. Today, just fifteen years later, this same territory re- 
quires a force of over eighty-five teachers. What was then a small rural 



220 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

school system has in this short space of time developed into a modern 
city school system. 

The building erected at the Standard Avenue school site had only 
two rooms, and it soon became necessary to add an additional teacher. 
People also began to settle at the east side of town, and the first school 
there was opened in the loft of a small barn at the corner of Ohio and 
Sixth streets, with Miss EHzabeth S. Carpenter as teacher. 

The San Pablo School District was very large and the means of 
communication and travel very difficult. It was soon apparent that the 
schools could not be covered with San Pablo school as the center of 
administration. Consequently, in 1903 the district was divided into three 
districts, made up of the San Pablo School District, the Richmond 
School District, and the Stege School District. For the balance of the 
year Mr. Helms remained with the San Pablo school as principal, but 
in 1904 was chosen to head the Richmond School District, which at 
that time was in a very poor condition, owing to the lack of funds, ac- 
commodations, and general organization. It soon became apparent 
that Richmond was to become a city of considerable size, and that 
buildings, sites, etc., should be provided with a view to future growth 
and development. 

The school at Standard Avenue soon outgrew the two-room build- 
ing, and a six-room building was erected at that site. To accommodate 
the rapidly growing east side a four-room building was erected at a 
site on Tenth Street, donated by the Richmond Land Company. A few 
years later it was necessary to increase this four-room building to 
double its size and to provide schools for the Santa Fe section and the 
North Richmond section. A site was secured in the Turpin tract, and 
a four-room building erected and named the Peres School, after John 
Peres, who had been a trustee since the beginning of the city. In the 
Santa Fe section a four-room building was erected and named the 
Nystrom School, after John R. Nystrom, who had been president of 
the board for a number of years, and who gave much of his time to the 
demands of the growing district. 

The district grew very rapidly and it was soon felt that a high 
school was needed. In 1907, due to the efforts of the Rev. D. W. Calfee, 
John Roth, and others, an election was called, and it was Unanimously 
voted to establish a union high school, to be composed of Richmond, 



EDUCATIONAL 221 

San Pablo, and Stege districts. L. D. Dimm, of Richmond, W. F. 
Belding, of San Pablo, and B. B. McClellan, of Stege, were chosen as 
trustees to establish the school. With a desire to secure perfect co- 
operation between the high school and the grade schools, they selected 
Mr. Helms to act as supervising principal of the high school as well 
as that of the grade schools. 

The high school was opened and organized in August, 1907, at the 
old two-room school building at Standard Avenue, with B. X. Tucker, 
Miss Ruth Peterson, and Miss Alberta Bell as faculty, and an en- 
rollment of about forty-five pupils. Plans were at once started for the 
erection of a permanent building. Eighty-five thousand dollars in bonds 
were voted, and in January, 1909, the school was moved to the present 
"Class A" building, which had been erected at the site chosen at 
Twenty-third Street near Macdonald Avenue. 

In 1909 a very important thing happened in the school history of 
Richmond. The citizens decided to adopt a charter form of govern- 
ment. In that year a modern charter was approved by the legislature, 
and Richmond became a charter city. In so far as the school depart- 
ment was concerned, this charter contained many provisions far in ad- 
vance of their time, and which are now considered highly desirable 
for any modem school department. The underlying principles kept the 
schools from all possible political contagion, based the selection and 
tenure of teachers on efficiency, and made the city superintendent of 
schools head of the school system and responsible for its success. The 
directors were given long terms of office (six years) and the elections 
arranged to take place in the even-numbered years, while the election 
for councilmen was held in the odd-numbered years. In this way there 
is very little possibility for the issues at a council election becoming 
involved in a school election, and in consequence school elections have 
been quiet, free from politics, and have attracted the highest class of 
citizenship to seek office. Excellent teachers have been secured, be- 
cause they are assured that as long as they give excellent services their 
positions are secure. The department has been free from all sorts of 
strife, wrangling, and discord. The policy has been to provide the best 
schools possible for the money expended, without ostentation or adver- 
tising of any kind. 

In 1912 the citizens of Point Richmond had outgrown the second 



222 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

building, and it was decided to erect a larger and permanent building 
at a more suitable site. By a vote of the citizens of the district a site 
on Richmond Avenue was chosen and the Washington School erected. 

In 191 3 the residents of the Stege School District, feeling that they 
could secure better advantages by becoming a part of the Richmond 
School District, were annexed to the Richmond District by the board 
of supervisors, thus bringing back the Richmond District to almost the 
same size as the original San Pablo School District from which it 
started. San Pablo District still remains a distinct district. 

At the present time the Richmond School District has nine graded 
schools — Washington, Lincoln, Peres, Nystrom, Stege, Fairmont, 
Grant, Pullman, Winehaven, and the high school. 

In place of the enrollment of thirty-six pupils in 1900, we have an 
enrollment of over twenty-five hundred pupils. These are housed in 
modern, sanitary buildings containing all the latest devices for ventila- 
tion and heating and other equipment necessary to provide everything 
modern in the course of study, such as manual training, cooking, sew- 
ing, etc. 

In addition to the so-called regular subjects, excellent instruction is 
furnished along modern lines, as special teachers are employed in 
music, sewing, cooking, manual training, penmanship, and drawing. 
In order to interest the pupils of the upper grades, their work has been 
further broadened along the lines of study such as is incorporated in 
what are known as intermediate schools, by the introduction of algebra, 
German, and Spanish. In order that children may progress rapidly, and 
to reduce the number of laggards as much as possible, promotions are 
semi-annual, or as often as occasion may require. All the newer build- 
ings are fitted with windows that can be thrown open to make each 
room an open-air school, and every attention is given to the health of 
the children. Adjustable desks are provided, so that the seating may be 
as correct as it is possible to make it. With a view to further promoting 
the health of the children, a trained nurse is employed, and careful in- 
vestigation is made of all absences. She consults with parents and uses 
every means to improve the physical condition of the children. In this 
way, and with the close co-operation of the health department, the 
Richmond schools have never been closed on account of an epidemic. 

In the high school, in addition to the regular courses required in 



EDUCATIONAL 223 

order that students who desire may enter the University of California, 
other courses are offered, enabling a student to secure a good practical 
education should he not continue in school after graduating from high 
school. Special attention is given to courses in music, art, manual 
training, and domestic science. The high school has a very strong com- 
mercial department, which enables young men or young women to pre- 
pare for a business career. 

The school department of Richmond has always been fortunate in 
the loyal support of a loyal public. It has never been disturbed by fac- 
tions among its patrons. It has been indeed fortunate in the class of 
men who have been chosen from time to time to conduct its affairs. In 
the grammar schools such prominent and capable men as John R. 
Nystrom, John Peres, Harry Ells, James Cruickshank, E. O. Gowe, 
Dr. J. L. Bedwell, Otto Poulsen, and E. L. Jones are recalled, while 
the high school shall alway cherish the names of W. F. Belding, B. B. 
McClellan, and L. D. Dimm. 

At the present time the board of education of the elementary school 
department is composed of J. N. Long (president), J. O. Ford, and 
R. E. Slattery. The high school board is composed of E. H. Harlow 
(president), W. S. McRacken, J. F. Brooks, H. W. M. Mergenthal, 
and Edward Hoffman. 

ANTIOCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL 

In 1890 the trustees, H. F. Bude, J. Rio Baker, and D. P. Mahan, 
noticed the crowded condition and promoted the erection of a new 
schoolhouse. They were entirely successful, and as a result of their 
efforts a building, one of the finest in the county, was erected. So far 
did they look into the future that the building is still occupied, although 
it is also fast becoming too small. At first only the lower floor was 
occupied, but upon the founding of the Riverview Union High School 
the upper floor was used by that institution. It was only for a few 
years, however, as the increasing attendance in the grammar school 
made it necessary for the high school to seek new quarters. 

The work so well started has been continued by the boards that 
followed. M. D. Field, Mrs. Paulo Donlon, and Doctor W. S. George, 
the present trustees, deserve great credit for the manner in which they 
have kept the school abreast of the times during the past few years. 



224 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Special courses in manual training, domestic science, and music have 
been introduced, and in the yard steel playground apparatus has been 
built. Antioch is justly proud of her school, which is among the fore- 
most in the county. 

MOUNT DIABLO UNION HIGH SCHOOL 

This school was organized in the spring of 1901. The board that was 
chosen that year, and was in office from the first of July, consisted of 
E. J. Randall, president; M. T. Sickal, secretary, and Messrs, Kirk- 
wood, Putnam, Parkinson, Sutton, and Miss Loucks. Two rooms were 
secured in the grammar-school building and school opened in August, 
with G. W. Wright (principal) and Miss Maud Grover as the teachers. 
Miss Grover later married Mr. Chandler, now a member of the State 
Water Commission, and resides in Berkeley. There were thirty or forty 
pupils the first year, six of them from other high schools and the others 
in the first-year class. 

The next year Miss Gulielma R. Crocker was added to the teaching 
force, and a small room in the grammar-school building was secured 
for a recitation room, and was also used for such laboratory work as 
could be done under such conditions. There were three graduates this 
year — Misses Elinor Godfrey, Helen Godfrey, and Lucille Busey. 

For the third year of the school, 1903-04, Miss Sara Lunny was se- 
cured to take the place of Miss Grover, who resigned to be married. 
There were three graduates this year also — Miss Grace Crawford, 
Miss Agnes Williams, and Leonard Martin. In the meantime Mr. 
Sickal had moved to Concord, and George Whitman succeeded him as 
a member of the board of trustees. Mr. Parkinson also gave way to 
Mr. Tormey, and Mr. Gehringer took the place of Mr. Sutton. 

As soon as it had a graduating class the school was examined and 
accredited by the State University. The course of study was the regu- 
lar academic course, but even with this the school had now outgrown 
its accommodations, and the board began to discuss the question of a 
new schoolhouse. A room was now secured in Odd Fellows Hall and 
equipped for laboratory work for both chemistry and physics. A bond 
election was called to secure money to build a new house. The bonds 
received a majority, but failed to obtain the necessary two-thirds vote. 
After some time a second bond election was called, the bonds failing 



EDUCATIONAL 225 

to carry this time by a few votes. If the writer remembers correctly, 
six votes were needed to make the two-thirds majority. In the meantime 
the question of the legaUty of the organization of the district was 
raised, and the matter was taken to the Superior Court for decision. 
The court decided that the organization was legal. The board now 
decided to erect the building by direct tax. Through the generosity of 
Mr. Maltby, a site was donated and the building was constructed in 
the summer of 1905. 

At the election of trustees Mrs. Bancroft was chosen to succeed Mr. 
Whitman and Mr. Douglas was chosen to take the place of Mr. Kirk- 
wood, who had moved out of the district. Herbert Kitridge was chosen 
principal for the year 1905-06. After four years' occupancy of the 
grammar-school quarters, school was opened in the new building. 

In the last six years vast changes have taken place in the Mount 
Diablo region, and these changes have been reflected in the Mount 
Diablo Union High School. This section of the county has been electri- 
fied by being brought into closer communication with the cities about 
San Francisco Bay. And the school responding, as schools always do, 
to conditions in the community about it, has itself developed into a 
new life. 

In 1910 the school occupied a six-room building on a lot of three 
and a half acres, and offered a course which was strictly academic and 
preparatory to the normal schools and the State University. Today it is 
crowding eleven rooms on a ten-acre lot, and has broadened its curric- 
ulum to include some of those vocational subjects for which there is 
so wide-spread a demand. 

This growth has been gradual, as all healthful growth must be. It 
is interesting to note the steps by which it has come about. In the sum- 
mer of 191 1, the trustees purchased something over six acres of land 
immediately adjoining the old triangular lot, thus making a rectangular 
piece of property approximately six hundred feet to a side. At the same 
time, they connected the building with the newly installed sewer sys- 
tem, and made the sanitary equipment of the building thoroughly up 
to date. The following winter the board laid a concrete sidewalk along 
the front of the school property, anticipating the work which the town 
soon after took up. 

In the spring of 1912, the trustees and student body, working to- 



226 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

gether, laid out a quarter-mile track and erected a grand stand. The 
annual track meets of the Contra Costa Athletic League have been 
held on this ground since that time, and it is probable that the league 
will continue to hold its field meets in Concord for some years to come, 
since Mount Diablo is the only school in the county which owns 
athletic grounds large enough for this purpose. 

During the summer and early fall of 191 2, the high-school building 
was materially enlarged by the addition of an assembly-room. The far- 
sighted policy of the trustees in laying a hardwood floor in this room 
has been a source of pleasure to the students ever since. It is the best 
dancing floor in Concord. For the more prosaic every-day use of a 
study-room, the hall will seat one hundred or more pupils. And when 
seated as an auditorium, it will accommodate three hundred. The stage 
at the east end is large enough for concerts and for commencement ex- 
ercises, but it has proved too small for the plays which the students 
give every fall. 

The lower story of this annex was finished in the summer of 191 3 
to form two rooms, one of which is now used as a sewing-room and the 
other as a kitchen. 

The manual-training shop was originally located in the basement, 
but work soon outgrew these quarters. In the fall of 19 14 it became 
necessary to erect a separate building to accommodate the students in 
this highly useful and practical subject. 

Early in 1916 it became evident that the number of regular class- 
rooms available would not be sufficient for the size of the school, and 
later in the year the trustees evolved a plan by which the building can 
be gradually enlarged, each addition forming, when completed, a part 
of what will be a unified whole. In accordance with this plan, two new 
recitation-rooms have been added. 

The growth in numbers of the school has been perhaps its most im- 
pressive development. In 191 o it had five teachers; now it has ten. In 
1910 the total enrollment of students was fifty-eight; now it is 155, 
and there are fifty-seven students in the entering class alone. 

The graduates of the school have made a highly creditable showing 
in whatever line of work they have undertaken, the record of those 
who have gone to the State University being especially commendable. 

A remarkable feature of the school is the permanence of its govern- 



EDUCATIONAL 227 

ing bodies. There has been but one change in the board of trustees since 
1910. The principal and three assistants have also held their positions 
during the same period. This permanence has made possible the main- 
tenance of a consistent policy of development and the attainment of a 
high degree of efficiency. 

RIVERVIEW UNION HIGH SCHOOL 

This school was organized in 1903 through the efforts of W. S. Moore, 
principal of the grammar school at Antioch. A union of the districts of 
Live Oak, Summersville, Black Diamond (now Pittsburg), and An- 
tioch formed the Riverview High School District. The upper floor in 
the grammar-school building was used for the class-rooms. There 
were thirty-two pupils, all freshmen, and two teachers, Mr. Moore and 
Miss Hagemayer. H. F. Beede, president of the board of trustees for 
seven years, was the main factor in the maintenance of the school. Six 
of the first thirty-two pupils graduated in 1907 and the inspector from 
the State University decided that their work was of such a quality that 
they could be recommended to that institution. 

The high school remained in the quarters of the grammar school 
until 1911, when the present building was completed, Mr. Kitridge 
being the first principal. In 1913 a domestic science department was 
installed and a manual-training room was completed. Next year a 
chemistry laboratory was added and a few class rooms finished. In 
191 5 the manual-training classes were so large that a new building was 
necessary, so, under the directions of Mr. Cater, the manual-training 
teacher, a new building was constructed by his pupils. 

In 1914-15 some work was done on the grounds, but they are not yet 
completed. Many trees were put out and the driveway finished, but 
there is still a great deal of work to be done. 

The number of pupils in attendance has increased each year until at 
present (1916) there are one hundred and thirty enrolled in the school. 

LIVE OAK SCHOOL 

In 1885, on a lot about a mile and a half from Oakley, the former 
dwelling-house of Mr. Ruckstuhl was remodeled for a school, which 
was named Live Oak, as trees of that species abound in the vicinity. 
There was one teacher in charge, and about twenty-five children, who 



228 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

had been attending surrounding district schools, came to the new 
school. The members of the first board of trustees were William Fleck- 
hammer, J. Ruckstuhl, and J. T. Wheelhan. 

In 1903, at a cost of four thousand dollars, the present building was 
constructed. Somewhat later, when another teacher was added, the one 
large recitation-room was divided into two rooms. At present there are 
forty-three promising future citizens in the Live Oak school. All the 
regular subjects are studied, but with few extras, as each teacher has 
four grades. 

HOT SPRINGS SCHOOL 

Hot springs schoolhouse was erected in 191 1, at a cost of about $3600. 
The original board of trustees were John Armstrong, Jr. (clerk), 
Henry Mehrtens, and George Stone. Miss Grace Brennaman was 
chosen as teacher. Twelve pupils constituted the school attendance. 

The school has now (1916) an attendance of eighteen. Henry Mehr- 
tens, Herman Krumland, and John Armstrong, Jr., clerk, are the pres- 
ent members of the board. 

, At present there is a good playground equipment, being bought with 
money raised by entertainments given by the children. 



CHAPTER XIX 
LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT 

BY MRS. ALICE G. WHITBECK, COUNTY LIBRARIAN 

The library history of Contra Costa County previous to 191 3, when 
the county library was estabHshed, is that of the attempts of small com- 
munities to supply themselves with a reading-room for the circulation 
of books and magazines. These pioneer efforts met with many obstacles, 
but the earnest and unflagging zeal of a few enthusiastic workers held 
the clubs and associations together until subscription libraries had been 
started. 

The struggle of each is a story in itself, the recording of which brings 
back the names of many early residents now held in memory and of 
many more who still hold the same interest in the larger library that 
they did in the one of small beginnings. 

MARTINEZ LIBRARY 

The Martinez library goes back to October 24, 1883, when a little club 
was formed with five charter members, the Misses Julia Fish, Jane Grey 
Frazer, Marion Taylor, Carrie Cutler, and Louise Corbert, for the pur- 
pose of working for a free reading-room. They called themselves the 
E. Q. V. Society, but kept steadily before them the idea of a reading- 
room whenever they might be able to accomplish it. In 1885 a book so- 
cial was given, netting one hundred and fifty books. Immediately the 
Martinez Free Reading-Room and Library Association was organized, 
officers elected, and the public invited to become members by paying 
dues of twenty-five cents a month. This membership grew and great in- 
terest was shown. The use of a room had been given by Doctor John 
Strenzel in a building owned by him on Main Street, and was prepared 
for use by the young people of the town. Generous contributions of 
time, money, and talent were given freely in the many entertainments 
and benefits that were devised for this purpose. In 1893 a lot on a promi- 
nent corner on Main Street was donated by Mrs. John Strenzel and her 



230 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

daughter, Mrs. John Muir. The lot was thirty-two feet frontage by 
ninety-six in depth and deeded with the provision that the building 
placed thereon must be always devoted to library purposes. 

The association now filed articles of incorporation, and a deed was 
shortly afterward executed, which contained a provision that a two- 
story brick building covering the entire lot be placed there within two 
years, or the property would revert to the Strenzel estate. A canvassing 
committee was immediately appointed, and by May reported more than 
$1700 pledged. 

Byron Brown offered free of charge his services as architect and 
supervisor of the building, a generous gift, since it left all funds to go 
to actual work of construction. Everybody was interested, and the town 
trustees agreed to lease the rear portion of the lower floor — a room for 
town meetings and offices and a large room for the fire apparatus. The 
upper floor was to be leased for a term of years by the I. O, O. F., thus 
insuring an income with which to meet interest and reduce the debt that 
must be incurred to erect the building. When the bids came in the low- 
est, $6371, was found to be that of C. H. Ludden, who thus become the 
builder. In the latter part of February, 1896, the building was com- 
pleted, furnished, and occupied, with a debt of $3800 to be paid by the 
efforts of the association, represented by a board of seven trustees, elect- 
ed annually. This debt was reduced in ten years by entertainments of 
all kinds to a little over $800. When the earthquake caused damages to 
the amount of $1400, again the people in their interest for the welfare of 
the library collected $900, so the whole debt then stood at $1300. This 
was paid off in the next five years ; on its twenty-fifth anniversary its 
fifteen-year note of indebtedness was burned. 

With the establishment of the county library it was not possible to 
keep up the subscriptions. The town trustees came to the aid of the in- 
stitution, and with the books borrowed from the county library, num- 
bering 1076 volumes for the year 1915-16, the growth and use has been 
steady. The circulation of books from the county collection alone 
amounted to 7870 volumes for the year. 

ANTIOCH LIBRARY 

The first efforts in Antioch toward providing reading for the pubUc 
were made by a library club, each member of which contributed five 



LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT 231 

dollars as the purchase price of two books. The books were exchanged 
at house-to-house meetings. About 1904 Mr. Williams, with the idea of 
helping the boys of the town, started a small reading-room in a store 
on Main Street, but later built a gymnasium and library-room on the cor- 
ner of Third and F streets. A small fee was charged for the use of the 
books, and, with his mother, he kept this reading-room open for five or 
six years. In 191 1 a part of the membership of the Woman's Club start- 
ed a library association, each contributing one dollar a year and as many 
books as she could spare from her shelves. The books were kept in the 
clubhouse and were distributed each week by one of the members. Later 
Miss Carrie Williamson was appointed librarian, and she has had charge 
continuously. When the county library was established in 191 3, Antioch 
co-operated at once and gave the use of its clubhouse for the county 
library books, which, together with those accumulated, were circulated 
freely. Miss Williamson continued in charge, and has been unflagging 
in furthering the interests of the library. 

Through the efforts of Mrs. Mary L. Fulton, Mrs. Keeney, and Mrs. 
Frederika J. West, funds were raised to buy a corner lot for the build- 
ing that the Carnegie Corporation donated to the county. This building, 
costing $2550, was planned by Frances Reid, and is now in process of 
building. Though small, the building will be very convenient and a great 
pleasure to the people. The circulation for the year from the Antioch 
branch was 8838 volumes. 

CONCORD LIBRARY 

Chi October 29, 1906, a mass meeting was called and met in Odd Fel- 
lows Hall for the purpose of organizing a public library and reading- 
room. Doctor George McKenzie was elected chairman and Miss G. R. 
Crocker secretary, with the additional names on the committee of Jo- 
seph Boyd, W. A. Kirkwood, and Mrs. F. F. Neff. At the next meeting 
the following permanent officers were elected : President, W. A. Kirk- 
wood; vice-president, Mrs. H. H. Elworthy; secretary, Miss G. R. 
Crocker ; treasurer, Joseph Boyd ; directors, Mr. Pingree, Mr. Gehring- 
er, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Randall, and Miss Skinner. 

The first location was in the Fire Hall and books received by dona- 
tion, others borrowed from the State Library and Oakland Club, were 
circulated. Miss Skinner was the first librarian and Mr. Martin first as- 



232 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



sistant, the latter receiving ten dollars a month. Dues were twenty-five 
cents a month. Frequent entertainments were given to provide for the 
new books and maintenance. A strong interest has always been felt by 
the library association in the welfare of its reading-room, and when 
the county library was formed it was among the first to grasp at the 
idea of enlarging its usefulness and joined immediately. Mrs. Bal- 
lenger, who had been a most interested and faithful librarian for a num- 
ber of years, was forced to give up the work from ill-health, and Mrs. 
H. Elise Williams was appointed and has held the position for the past 
two years. A pleasant room in the Foskett building was rented by a con- 
tinuation of this same library association and the books and magazines 
are supplied by the county library. The circulation for the past year was 
7903 volumes. The Carnegie Corporation also donated the sum of $2500 
for a branch building, which will be erected in the near future. 

CROCKETT LIBRARY 

In 1908 the Crolona Men's Club was formed in Crockett, the member- 
ship composed largely of men from the California & Hawaiian Sugar 
Refining Company. The company and a number of men interested dona- 
ted about six hundred volumes and provided the clubhouse. In 1910 the 
Y. M. C. A. assumed control of the Crolona Club. When the county li- 
brary was established the collection at the Y. M. C. A., becoming a part 
of the county library, was accessioned and a charging system installed. 
Ever since that time the collection has been added to by the county li- 
brary and frequent exchanges have been made. After it became appar- 
ent that the clubhouse was too small for its purposes a new Y. M. C. A. 
building was started in I9i4,and was completely furnished and equipped 
by the sugar company. In this commodious building a large reading- 
room was provided. The old building was remodeled and fitted up for 
the Crockett Girls' Club and another collection of books started for 
them. Every effort has been made by the company to stimulate and meet 
the intellectual demands of the community. 

RICHMOND LIBRARY 

The Richmond Library Club was formed August 16, 1907, with Mrs. 
W. W. Felch as chairman of the library committee. The club rented a 
small room on the corner of Sixth Street and Macdonald Avenue, and 



LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT 233 

the library was kept open by a committee of women, among whom were 
Mrs. W. W. Felch, Mrs. E. B. Smallwood, Mrs. C. Smith, Mrs. Clar- 
ence Jenkins, and Mrs. C. B. Evans. Books were donated and entertain- 
ments given to meet the expenses. In 1908 a request was made to the 
Carnegie Corporation for a library building, the Woman's Improve- 
ment Club having given five lots in a central location on Nevin Avenue 
for a site. A gift of $17,500 was granted upon the usual conditions, and 
in June, 1909, the first meeting of the board of trustees was held. Mrs. 
E. B. Smallwood was elected president, Harry Adkison secretary, and 
as directors Mrs. George W. Topping, L. D. Dimm, and J. C. Bedwell. 
Mrs. Alice G. Whitbeck, of Berkeley, was appointed the first librarian, 
May 2, 191 o. The library was dedicated with appropriate exercises Au- 
gust 17, 1910. Great interest was shown in its development, generous 
and adequate support was given by the city trustees, and after three 
successful years, in which the library became a vital part of the com- 
munity, Mrs. Whitbeck resigned to take charge of the county library, 
and Miss Delia M. Wilsey, of Pomona, was appointed librarian. Several 
changes at that time were made in the Hbrary staff. At the time of the 
resignation of Mrs. Whitbeck plans were made and partially carried out 
to install a children's room in the basement, the three years' growth prov- 
ing the inadequacy of the room originally planned as such. This room, 
very pretty and complete in all its appointments, was finished, but an- 
other two years' growth showed the necessity of using the still larger as- 
sembly room for the children, and turning their room into a cataloging 
and work-room. The present children's room, in charge of Miss Ruth 
Epperson, is one of the most attractive in the State. The library has 
made wonderful strides during Miss Wilsey's administration, and is 
now one of the best-appointed libraries of its size in the State. 

At the time of the establishment of the county library, and for three 
years thereafter, the Richmond Public Library was a part of the county 
library system, but in January, 1916, withdrew, and is now the only 
part of the county not afiiliated with the county library. 

WALNUT CREEK LIBRARY 

At the time of the establishment of the county library the members of 
the Woman's Club of the town were contemplating a reading-room in 
their clubhouse and had gathered a number of books together. Realizing 



234 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



the great help that the county Hbrary would be for them, they put off 
opening their reading-room until that institution could help them in pre- 
paring and adding to their collection. For the first year a committee of 
ladies kept the library open and distributed the books. Later Mrs. Hemp- 
stead was appointed librarian, and has continued in office ever since. 
The library moved its quarters twice before the new Carnegie county 
branch building was ready for occupancy, August, 1916. The gift of the 
Carnegie building brought great delight to the town, and when the 
question of a site was talked of the Burgess Company donated a lot up- 
on which a very delightful little bungalow library has been designed 
and built by Randolph Hook. 

PITTSBURG LIBRARY 

There had been no move in Pittsburg to circulate books until a gift of 
several hundred volumes was made to the town by the Honorable Sum- 
ner Crosby. In January these were cataloged by the county librarian 
and installed in locked book-cases in the town hall. Mrs. George Minaker 
was appointed librarian, and has kept the library open and the interest 
sustained. Mr. Crosby made an additional gift of several hundred 
books, which lack of space has prevented shelving. Pittsburg needs a 
building with special attention to the work with the children. This will 
undoubtedly be brought about in the near future. Its juvenile circula- 
tion is larger than that of any other branch in the county. 

THE COUNTY LIBRARY 

The accounts already given of the efforts and the accomplishments of 
those efforts in the small towns of the county bring us to the establish- 
ment of the county library in July, 1913. Actual work commenced in 
October with Mrs. Whitbeck as librarian and Miss Anne Weyand (now 
Mrs. Dennis Dehan) as assistant. A room was rented from the Mar- 
tinez Library Association and immediate steps were taken to form 
branches around the county and to get the schools interested in co-oper- 
ating. As a result of rapid and well-organized work, books were sent 
to twenty-eight places the first year. Some of these were the reading- 
rooms already mentioned ; others were merely deposits in stores, post- 
offices, private homes, and in isolated schools. At the end of the second 
year there were fifty-two depositories for the books, and the circulation 



LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT 235 

from all the branches increased from 21,942 volumes the first year to 
61,569 volumes the second year. At the end of the third year, sixty-two 
depositories were recorded, thirty-three of which were schools. A total 
of 900 shipments were made from the office, and a circulation of 73,054 
volumes recorded from all branches. The growth of the office work 
called for an exact system of card files and records. The great demand 
for special books from all parts of the county and the pressure of the 
work with the schools necessitated renting another room at the end of 
the second year. Even now the quarters are very much cramped. 

Mrs. Whitbeck and one assistant did the work the first year, but in 
order to carry on the library, w4th its rapid growth and popularity, a 
trained cataloger and apprentice help were necessary. A heavy part of 
the work has been that of the schools. There were sent out from the 
office last year 8100 books and 6184 were returned for exchange. Maga- 
zines have been taken for all the schools, as well as a generous number 
for the branches. This work with the schools has been at all times a 
pleasure, both on account of the hearty and full approbation and as- 
sistance of the county superintendent of schools, W. H. Hanlon, and of 
the full measure of appreciation shown by the teachers served. There 
are a number of smaller schools that have not yet joined, but the growth 
has been steady, and we hope before another year to enroll all the 
schools in the county. 

There are at present thirty- four counties operating county libraries, 
and Contra Costa County is next to the smallest county and was the 
eighteenth to start. It was, however, at the last reckoning of statistics, 
ninth in the number of volumes, eighth in number of branches, seventh 
in number of schools, eleventh in circulation, and seventh in income 
raised by tax levy. Although a comparison of the counties is hardly fair 
because of such vastly different conditions under which each county 
librarian works, it at least shows that Contra Costa County is well to 
the fore in its library work and development. 



CHAPTER XX 
RELIGIOUS 

EARLY CHURCHES OF MARTINEZ 

The good people of early Martinez took thought as to their churches 
without delay. The Roman Catholics were the first to hold services. 
Father Schimel was the first priest to officiate and the services were 
held in the old building which stood on Smith Street, and was afterward 
used as a barn. This building was erected in 1849 ^Y J^^g^ Brown, 
Warren Brown, and N. B. Smith as a store, and in it the first mer- 
cantile establishment of Martinez was opened. After its sale to the 
Catholics, from far and near the Spanish rancheros on Sunday gath- 
ered with their wives and children to attend mass and afterward hold a 
merry reunion. From 1850 to 1851 the CathoHcs used this structure as 
a place of worship ; then they began the construction of an adobe build- 
ing, which was not completed. In 1855 a church was built on Estudillo 
Street, which was blown down by a gale in 1866. 

Among the early priests were Fathers Vincent, Vallarassa, and Dom- 
inick. 

The New England pioneers of Martinez were largely members of the 
Protestant Episcopal church, which seems somewhat strange, when we 
remember that the Congregational is the leading church of New Eng- 
land. For some years these pioneer Episcopalians were obhged to at- 
tend church in Benicia, where services of the Church of England had 
been held since 1854. In 1855 the Rev. Orange Clarke held services in 
Martinez, and in 1858 the Rev. Elijah Hager, chaplain U. S. N., at that 
date rector of St. Paul's Church, Benicia, officiated in Martinez from 
time to time. From i860 to 1866 the Rev. James Cameron, of Benicia, 
held Episcopal services in the Methodist church. The Rev. Henry G. 
Perry followed in 1866, and established a Sunday-school and library. 
Plans and specifications for a church building were prepared, but the 
Martinez Episcopalians still remained members of the Benicia church, 
and it was not until 1869 that, through the exertions of certain ladies 
of the church, money was raised and the present building was begun 



RELIGIOUS 



237 



and completed. Grace Church was consecrated by the Rt. Rev. William 
Ingraham Kip, D. D., on Sunday, July 10, 1870. He was assisted by 
the Revs. Doctor Breck and E. C. Cowan. Previous to this date the 
Missionary College of St. Augustine, at Benicia, had had charge of the 
work in Martinez, but in 1870 the associate mission of the college came 
to an end. Doctor J. A. Merrick, formerly connected with the mission, 
became pastor of the Martinez church. Other early pastors of Grace 
Church were the Rev. William Benet, the Rev. William Tucker, the 
Rev. Henry Monges, and the Rev. James Abercrombie, D. D. The beau- 
tiful memorial chancel window which ornaments Grace Church was 
made by Edward Colgate, of New York, and was placed New Year's 
day, 1882, in memory of the founder of the church, the Rev. James 
Breck, D. D. The stone font was a gift by the youth of the parish on 
Easter Sunday of the same year. The altar, prayer-desk, and seat were 
given to the church on Thanksgiving and Christmas days, 1881, by the 
Rev. Mr. Abercrombie and Elam Brown. 

The Congregational church of Martinez was organized June 18, 1874. 
It is a much younger church society, therefore, than its sisters of the 
Catholic and Episcopal faith. The first pastor was the Rev. W. S. Clark, 
who was succeeded in 1875 by the Rev. E. B. Tuttle. During the four 
years of Tuttle's ministry the membership increased. The Methodist 
church, for years the only Protestant church structure in the town, was 
purchased and services were held in it until 1886, when, under the pas- 
torate of Rev. Mr. Bailie, a new edifice was built. One of the pastors, 
Rev. A. Drachms, has served as chaplain in San Quentin prison for a 
number of years. 

About 1854 S. Swain gave lots on which to build a church. The prop- 
erty was deeded to the Methodist society, with the understanding that, 
when not occupied by them, other denominations could use it. The 
church was built by donations from the residents of the town. The 
women agreed to finish the interior of the church. They gave a supper 
in the building. The price of the tickets for supper, admitting two per- 
sons, was five dollars. A party was given the same evening in Union 
Hall. Holders of tickets for supper were admitted to the dance free. 
Those pioneer women had an eye to business, and they raised a round 
sum of money. 

The following are names of the clergymen who officiated until the 



238 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

property was sold to the Congregational society, about the year 1873 : 
Willmot, Methodist; Yager, Presbyterian; May, Methodist; McClure, 
Congregational ; Urmy, Methodist ; McDonald, Episcopalian ; Cameron, 
Episcopalian; Breck, Episcopalian; Woodbridge, Presbyterian; War- 
ren, Congregational. 

Back in 1879, on the 27th and 28th of March, for the benefit of the 
Congregational church fund, one of the most elaborate and successful 
entertainments ever given in Martinez took place. It was in charge of 
Mrs. James Weeks, who, as Miss Jane Lyons, one of the early Mar- 
tinez teachers, arranged the first school exhibition ever presented in this 
town. She gave much time and thought to the production of the pro- 
gram, and made many of the costumes herself. 

In a reminiscence of this entertainment, Mrs. Weeks says that the 
large rude building in which it was given was admirably fitted to her 
requirements. The mechanism of the stage was arranged by a young 
man then connected with the church, and it worked perfectly. The pea- 
cocks which drew Juno's chariot were made of pasteboard and paper, 
painted to imitate the plumage of the real birds. They were drawn by 
invisible wires across the stage. Iris flew through the air in advance of 
the chariot, and so perfectly did the sliding apparatus work that the de- 
lusion of flight was excellent. The first scene was the fairy scene, which 
showed a forest with two fountains playing. The edge of the stage was 
turfed and dotted over with pansies. The rocks were made of fruit- 
boxes, painted to simulate stones. Fairies were perched everywhere. 
During the scene the music of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" was 
played on a piano in the gallery. The playing was fine, but the specta- 
tors did not listen to it, for they became so excited at the beauty of the 
tableaus that they rose to their feet and shouted with pleasure, drown- 
ing the sweet strains. A beautiful rainbow, made of wire and tarleton, 
was exhibited during the Norse scenes, and was an excellent imitation 
of the heavenly arch. 

Several prominent Martinez people took characters in the different 
scenes, among them being George Sherman, who represented Jupiter; 
Mrs. Sherman, Juno; Mr. Wittenmyer, Mars; Mr. Bailhache, Pluto; 
Mrs. Davenport, Persephone ; Mrs. Mathews, Roman Liberty. 

These two entertainments netted two hundred dollars for the church 
fund. 



RELIGIOUS 239 

CONGREGATIONALIST 

The Congregatlonalists instituted their first societies in this county in 
1863, in which year they organized two churches, one at Crockett and 
the other at Clayton. These churches have continued their existence all 
these years, and have served the communities in which they exist with 
faithfulness. The oldest Congregational church building in the county 
is that at Clayton, erected in 1868. Crockett has had two church build- 
ings, the first being built in 1883. In 1913 it was so completely remodeled 
and enlarged as to become practically a new building. The present pas- 
tor of this church, the Rev. E. O. Chapel, was the pastor at that time. 

In 1865 the society at Antioch was organized and soon thereafter 
erected a building, which was succeeded in 1891 by the present large 
and beautiful church. In 1910 a handsome and commodious parsonage 
was added. The Antioch church is one of the most beautiful and well- 
kept church properties in the entire county. The Rev. A. B. Roberts has 
been the pastor since 1912. 

Nine years elapsed before another Congregational church was started 
in the county. In 1874 a society was organized at Martinez. From that 
time this organization has worked uninterruptedly, and today they have 
a very attractive church and an uncommonly convenient and commodi- 
ous manse, centrally and beautifully situated at the county seat. This 
society numbers among its members now, as it has in the years gone 
by, many of the substantial and influential men and women of the com- 
munity. To meet the needs of this rapidly growing center, the church 
has just called the Rev. George E. Atkinson to become its pastor. He 
entered upon his work at the beginning of September, 1916. This church 
is facing a great opportunity, and facing it with courage. 

In 1882 a church was started at New York Landing, called the Black 
Diamond Congregational Church. This organization worshiped in the 
brick schoolhouse for some time, until the church building, at Norton- 
ville was moved to Black Diamond; then later, with the change of the 
name of the town to Pittsburg, the church's name was changed accord- 
ingly. This organization in the years just passed has done much good in 
the community. It is fully abreast the times. The adequate and artistic 
parsonage, built a little over a year since, is the home of their energetic 
and pushing pastor, the Rev. C. C. Champlin. It is just announced that 
two splendid lots, one on either side of the church property, have been 



240 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



given to the church, looking forward in the near future to the erection 
of a building adequate to their growing community needs. This church 
aspires to meet the needs of the Protestant community for all sorts of 
church and social life. 

The Port Costa church was organized and built in 1891. Here a Sun- 
day-school has been maintained faithfully for these years, and the con- 
gregation has depended for the most part for its preaching either upon 
a student from the seminary or a pastor of one of the neighboring 
churches at Crockett or Benicia. 

The Bay Point church was built in 1909 by the co-operation of the 
community, the lumber company, and the Congregational Conference. 
A society was organized in 1910. A parsonage was erected two years 
later. This church has therefore just begun a service that is much 
needed. 

The last society to be organized in this county by the Congregational- 
ists was at Richmond, in 191 5. Its activities are confined to the district 
across the railroad tracks toward the hills, entirely away from the exist- 
ing churches, and in response to a demand by the people in that vicinity. 
At its organization the pastors of several churches in other parts of 
the city of Richmond were present, and the council decided to start this 
church in response to the people's statement of its need in the com- 
munity. The Rev. J. B. Orr is its pastor at the present time. The rapid 
growth in membership and in the number of Sunday-school pupils testi- 
fies to a good future in store for it. 

Perhaps the best page of Congregational history in this county con- 
sists in the church deaths it has had. In 1877 a church was started at 
Pacheco and continued to exist as long as it seemed that a center of any 
considerable size would exist there. Thus the denomination manifested 
its desire to be of service to communities that might need it. In 1903, to 
meet the needs of the newly organized community, a church was start- 
ed at Oakley. Later the Methodist church at Neroly moved into town; 
still later a Baptist church was organized. There seemed to be no room 
for so many Protestant societies in so small a community. The Congre- 
gationalists therefore sold the church to the improvement club, and their 
members work with the Methodist church, thus doing in this county 
what needs to be done in many places, consolidate little churches into 
larger ones. 



RELIGIOUS 241 

BAPTIST 

Baptist history in Contra Costa County is of quality rather than quan- 
tity. There are only four Baptist churches now at work in this county, 
the oldest of which is the San Pablo church. Our Gospel Boat colpor- 
teur is visiting a number of towns with a view of organizing missions 
and churches in destitute religious fields, but this is of the future rather 
than the present. 

The San Pablo church was first organized in the old town of San 
Pablo, and later was moved to the new town. It is the only Protestant 
church in the community, and the only Baptist church in the State, so 
far as we know, that has its own cemetery. 

The next oldest is the church at Oakley, which was organized Au- 
gust 10, 191 1, with a charter membership of seventeen. This church 
gave liberally to missions during that year, as they averaged over three 
dollars a member. 

The Point Richmond church was organized in 191 1, with a member- 
ship of eighteen. Their growth has been steady, and they now have a 
membership of forty-four. 

Calvary Church, Richmond, was organized as a branch of the Point 
Richmond church January 8, 1912, with a charter membership of thir- 
ty-two. They also have had a steady influx of members, now having 
108. This church since its organization has always taken a keen interest 
in missions, having met its budget and sometimes exceeding it every 
year. 

At the present time the Point Richmond church is the only church 
that has a pastor, although the others will probably call one soon. The 
Rev. C. W. Howd, a student at the Berkeley Divinity School, is supply- 
ing the Point Richmond church as pastor very acceptably. 

CHRISTIAN SCIENTIST 

The inauguration of the Christian Science movement in Contra Costa 
County dates from the early part of January, 1909, when seven women 
who had felt the healing touch of divine love, and whose gratitude 
could only find expression in giving to the field that which had been of 
such inestimable value to themselves, met in a private residence and 
perfected plans for the holding of Christian Science services. Accord- 



242 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



ingly, two second-floor rooms were rented in the building occupying the 
southeast corner of Macdonald Avenue and Seventh Street, and the 
first service was held there on January 17th. Soon, however, these 
rooms proved inadequate, and it was decided to erect a small building, 
to be used as a Christian Science reading-room, on a lot in Sixteenth 
Street owned by one of their number, and in it all the activities of the 
movement were conducted. 

With the removal into their new building in April the attendance in- 
creased. The interest manifested seemed to justify an organization, and 
on May 5, 1909, the Christian Science society of Richmond was organ- 
ized with eighteen members. In the spring of 1910 the society purchased 
a lot in Nevin Avenue near Fifteenth Street and moved their building 
thereon. 

While these activities were being conducted the Christian Scientists 
in the county seat were not unmindful of the good to be accomplished 
in their field by united action, so only about one year after the Rich- 
mond society was organized a similar organization was formed in Mar- 
tinez, which is still being maintained and is making a steady and stable 
growth. 

The organization of a society which followed close upon that of Mar- 
tinez was that of Stege, it being formed in the latter part of the year 
1910. 

Meanwhile Christian Scientists in Antioch were holding meetings in 
a private residence, but early in the year 191 1, as more and more inter- 
est was manifested in the work, the hall of the Odd Fellows and Ma- 
sons was secured, where their services are still being held. In July of the 
same year the Christian Science society of Antioch was formed, and 
later purchased a desirable lot and is now contemplating building. 

In June, 191 2, the society at Richmond disbanded and reorganized as 
the First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Richmond, and since that time 
they have twice found it necessary to seek larger quarters ; the first time 
in Pythian Castle, and about one year later in the auditorium of the 
new building of the Richmond Club, 1125 Nevin Avenue, near Twelfth 
Street, where their services are now being held. 

In July, 1912, the society at Stege reorganized, and Stege having been 
in the meantime annexed to Richmond, this organization became known 
as the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, in Richmond. A lot was pur- 



RELIGIOUS 243 

chased on Bay Avenue and a small building erected, and there services 
are still being conducted. 

In February, 191 3, two women at Walnut Creek began reading the 
lesson-sermons together, and as this became known others joined them, 
and very soon the room was outgrown. In April a temporary organiza- 
tion was formed and later Masonic Hall was secured for their regular 
services. A permanent organization was effected in January, 1914, and 
a growing interest is being continually manifested in the work there. 

The experience at Walnut Creek was not at all unusual and was re- 
peated in Pinole in the summer of 1914, when three persons began read- 
ing the lesson-sermons in a private residence and were soon compelled 
to seek larger quarters. Great interest in Christian Science is being man- 
ifested there, and it is only a matter of a little time when the work will 
be organized. 

All the Christian Science organizations have Sunday-schools which 
are being largely attended, the children being particularly receptive to 
the truth and verifying the saying of our Master: "Whosoever shall not 
receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter 
therein." 

The Churches of Christ, Scientist, as well as some of the societies, 
maintain free reading-rooms and circulating libraries, thus affording 
the public an opportunity to read or purchase authorized Christian Sci- 
ence literature. 

The reader will have noticed that the growth of Christian Science in 
Contra Costa County has not been phenomenal, but steady and stable ; 
the foundational work being thoroughly well done, the future growth of 
the movement is assured. 

Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, 
defined the church as "The structure of Truth and Love," "That insti- 
tution which affords proof of its utility," and Christian Scientists every- 
where are proving that it does "elevate the race" and is "casting out er- 
rors and healing the sick." 

EPISCOPAL 

The first services of this church within the present boundaries of Con- 
tra Costa County, so far as there is any record, was held by the Rt. 
Rev. William Ingraham Kip, D. D., Bishop of California, at Martinez, 
in 1855 or 1856. These were followed in the next few years by occa- 



244 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

sional service as lay-readers by one or another of the United States 
Army officers from the arsenal at Benicia. In 1869 a missionary parish 
was formed and a small church building erected under the direction of 
the Rev. E. C. Cowan, of Doctor Lloyd Breck's associate mission at 
Benicia, and named Grace Church. 

Under the ministrations of a succession of earnest clergy the parish 
had a healthy growth, and on the excellent site originally chosen there 
have since been erected a suitable church building and rectory with 
other improvements, and a considerable extension of these buildings 
is now being planned. The present resident priest in charge is the Rev. 
E. G. Davies. 

The next church, called St. Paul's, was built at Walnut Creek in 
1891, where a most devoted httle band of people have faithfully sus- 
tained services under the direction of the Rev. Hamilton Lee, the Rev. 
Hale Townsend, and others. 

At Richmond services were begun and Trinity Church was organ- 
ized in 1901, by the Rev. D. O. Kelly. A good parsonage on a fine site 
well up on the hill looking out over the bay toward the Marin County 
hills, was soon afterward built, and later a church near the business 
center of the city. The original plan of the beginners of the church here 
contemplated an institutional work, as best suited to the prospective in- 
dustrial character of the place. It is hoped such a plan may yet be rea- 
lized. At present, as in fact it has been from the beginning, nominally at 
least, the administration of the mission here is under the Venerable 
John A. Emery, archdeacon of the diocese, through the Cathedral Staff 
for Missions. 

A branch of the Seamen's Institute of the diocese, at Port Costa, 
with its reading-rooms and chapel nestled upon the hillside overlooking 
the wharves, should be mentioned as an interesting and valuable work 
for seafaring men. 

Occasional services are held at several other points, as Concord and 
Lafayette, in the interior of the county. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL 

The original Methodist church of Martinez was built on lot i, block 32, 
of the original survey of the town. On December 13, 1853, the lot was 
donated by Seth M. Swain to the following trustees: Isaac P. Van Ha- 



RELIGIOUS 245 

gew, William S. Bryant, and Stephen B. Cook. Lots i and 2, block 32, 
and the buildings thereon, were sold to the Congregational church for 
one thousand dollars on February 8, 1878, by the following trustees: 
Orris Falls, H. M. Stanage, and W. C. Pratt. 

On April 23, 1888, the Rev. M. D. Buck, presiding elder of the Napa 
district, purchased lots 7 and 8, block 23, for $350, which money was 
part of sale of original property. On August 2, 1889, the Rev. J. M. 
Van Every, the pastor, secured a quitclaim deed for them, and the lots 
were conveyed to the following trustees: James M. Stowe, Samuel 
Kelly, and D. R. Thomas. On May 30, 1889, a church was organized, 
but, after consultation with an attorney, it was thought illegal, since the 
day was a legal hoUday. Because of needed time to secure a proper title, 
the organization was delayed until August 12, 1889, when it took place 
at Masonic Hall, with the Rev. J. M. Van Every as president and Fanny 
Van Every as secretary. Brother Van Every brought his family to 
Martinez, March 22, 1889, and preached his first sermon in Martinez, 
March 24, 1889, in Bennett's Hall, to a congregation of nine people. 
Within a week or two a Sunday-school was formed, and after a month 
of services in Bennett's Hall the congregation moved to Masonic Hall. 
On May 9, 1889, a ladies' aid society was formed. During May and 
June a course of lectures was given by the following pastors : The Rev. 
W. W. Case, D. D., pastor of Central Methodist Church, San Fran- 
cisco ; the Rev. Robert Bentley, D. D., presiding elder of Oakland dis- 
trict ; and the Rev. E. R. Dille, D. D., pastor of First Methodist Church, 
Oakland. 

On September 16, 1889, Rev. Jas. Blackledge was appointed to Mar- 
tinez. In March, 1890, Antioch was joined to the charge, and there the 
pastor preached every Sunday evening. About the same time he also 
organized a Sunday-school at Pinole and preached there Sunday after- 
noons. 

At the fourth quarterly conference the following trustees were ap- 
proved: C. F. Diehl, Samuel Kelly, and Hart A. Downer. It was de- 
cided to purchase a more central location for the church property, so 
lots I and 2, block 39, were bought from Byron Brown for one thousand 
dollars. Doctor J. Strentzel lending the money to the trustees for one 
year without interest. Building on the new church, which was to cost 
about twenty-five hundred dollars, was begun August 16, 1890. 



246 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

The Rev. D. Brill was appointed to Martinez September 20, 1890. 
The new pastor found the frame of the church up and partly inclosed 
and no money in sight to complete the enterprise. 

During the year Doctor Strenzel died, but Mrs. Strenzel and her 
daughter, Mrs. John Muir, continued to be of great financial help to the 
church, as Doctor Strenzel had been. 

The lots purchased during Brother Van Every's pastorate were sold 
for six hundred dollars, and shortly after a contract was let to build a 
parsonage adjoining the church for six hundred and fifty dollars. 

On February 15, 1891, the church was opened for dedication, but 
because of a severe rain-storm was postponed until March. 

The Rev. G. M. Meese was pastor in 1893 and 1894. On Christmas 
day, 1894, Mrs. Strenzel presented to the board of trustees the can- 
celed note for one thousand dollars. This left the church with an in- 
debtedness of two hundred and eighty dollars. During the year Mrs. 
Strenzel and Mrs. Muir spent two hundred dollars in improvements 
on the church. A new organ was secured, and Mrs. Muir paid the bill. 
March 2, 1895, Martinez was made a circuit with Pinole. 

The pastors of the Martinez church, with time of their pastorate, are 
as follows: John M. Van Every, March 22, 1889, to September, 1889; 
James Blackledge, September 16, 1889, to September, 1890; D. Brill, 
September 20, 1890, to September, 1893; G. M. Meese, September 11, 
1893, to September, 1895 ; E. B. Winning, September 16, 1895, to Sep- 
tember, 1896; S. Kinsey, September 15, 1896, to September, i§99; 
Thomas Leak, September 12, 1899, to September, 1901 ; J. R. Wolfe, 
September, 1901, to September, 1902; T. C. Gale, September, 1902; 
Leon E. Bell, September 19, 1903, to December 27, 1903; George F. 
Samwell, September, 1904, to September, 1905 ; M. J. Gough, Septem- 
ber, 1905, to September, 1907 ; E. H. Mackay, September, 1907, to Sep- 
tember, 1908; E. J. Bristow, September, 1908, to September, 1910; L. 
C. Carroll, December, 191 5, to date. 

Antioch became a charge by itself in 1890, and has continued since, 
with pastors in charge as follows, in the order named : F. A. Morrow, 
1901-1902; J. M. Barnhart, 1902-1906; C. B. Sylvester, January 14, 
1907, to September, 1908; T. A. Towner, 1908-1909; Earnest Grigg, 
1909-1911; D. O. Colgrove, 1911-1912; L. P. Walker, 1912-1914; W. 
C. Howard, 1914-1915; and the present pastor, Charles Swithenbank, 



RELIGIOUS 247 

appointed by Bishop Edwin H. Hughes at the Annual Conference held 
in San Francisco, in September, 191 5. 

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST 

The Byron Seventh-Day Adventist church was organized in 191 3, with 
a membership of fourteen. A handsome new church was erected in that 
year costing one thousand dollars. Religious worship is held each Sab- 
bath at three p. m., and Sabbath-school is held at two p. m. on Sabbath 
day. Doctor J. W. Hammond, of Byron, is elder, and his wife is treas- 
urer. 



CHAPTER XXI 
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 

BY DR. C. L. ABBOTT 

According to early Indian traditions of the San Francisco Bay section 
of California, there were both medicine-men and medicine-women. The 
superstitions of these primitive people attributed to them supernatural 
powers, in virtue of which they were held equal to the chiefs of their 
tribe. All honor to the medicine-man when he could bring back to his 
tribesmen strength and endurance for conquests, but should he fail he 
was apt to be physically punished for his shortcomings. 

The great cure-all was the sweat-bath in the sweat-house, or temescal, 
which, quoting from Bancroft's "Native Races of the Pacific States," 
''was built in the shape of an inverted bowl, generally about forty feet in 
diameter at the bottom, built of strong poles and branches of trees, cov- 
ered with earth to prevent the escape of heat. There was a small hole 
near the ground, large enough for Diggers to creep in, one at a time, 
and another at the top to give out the smoke. When a dance is given, a 
large fire is kindled in the center of the edifice, and the crowd assem- 
bles. The apertures, both above and below, are then closed, and the dan- 
cers take their positions. Simultaneously with the commencement of the 
dancing, which is a kind of shuffling hobble-de-hoy, the 'music' bursts 
forth. Yes, music fit to raise the dead. A whole legion of devils broke 
loose. Such screaming, shrieking, yelling and roaring was never before 
heard since the foundation of the world. A thousand cross-cut saws 
filed by steam power — a multitude of tom-cats lashed together and flung 
over a clothes-line — innumerable pigs under a gate — all combined would 
produce a heavenly melody compared to this ; yet this uproar, deafening 
as it is, might possibly be endured, but another sense soon comes to be 
saluted. Talk of the thousand stinks of the City of Cologne. Here are at 
least forty thousand combined in one grand overwhelming stench. 
Round about the roaring fire the Indians go capering, jumping, and 
screaming, with the perspiration streaming from every pore. They rush 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 249 

frantically around the walls in hope to discover some weak point 
through which they may find egress, but the house seems to have been 
constructed purposely to frustrate such attempts. More furious than 
caged lions, they rush bodily against the sides, but the stout poles resist 
every onset." The medicine-man of the rancheria would then open the 
door and, followed by all the inmates, rush wildly to the river, into 
which they would plunge, and those who survived the awful shock 
would gather on the bank to sleep off their exhaustion, and the fandan- 
go was over. 

In 1833 cholera killed thousands of Indians, destroying whole settle- 
ments, and even tribes, often not leaving enough of the living to dispose 
of the dead. 

The dead were held sacred. The burying-ground was a place of re- 
ligious worship and prayer, although the majority of Indian dead of this 
section were burned. The funeral bier was a weird scene of wild orgies 
and cantations of friends and relatives of the deceased. 

Mount Diablo, practically centrally situated and rising to a height of 
nearly four thousand feet, causes a climatography which is peculiar 
only to Contra Costa County. The ocean winds of the summer and the 
southeast winds of the winter, blowing against its ragged rocks, antag- 
onize and yet harmonize the seasons most perfectly. The western half 
of the county, cool and temperate, with a daily ocean breeze, has always 
been practically free from epidemics of contagious diseases, yet the frail 
and anemic are here subject to the catarrhal congestions of mucous- 
membrane diseases. 

The great central valley, with its coast windbreak of western hills 
sheltering it from the fog and the force of heavy winds, and giving a 
modified temperature under the fog-bank without its disagreeable fea- 
tures, forms a recreating and recuperating spot second to none in the 
United States. 

The eastern half, as it dips into the San Joaquin Valley from which 
the winds are shifted by the great Mount Diablo, has a temperature of 
fifteen to twenty degrees higher, which, while giving health to the frail 
and anemic, is somewhat endemic to typhoid and malaria infections. 

The mountains of mineral deposits, with the winter rainfall perco- 
lating through their crevices, send forth many and various mineral 
springs. Throughout the county there are many springs of good clear, 



250 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

healthful water, and others with various degrees of saturation with the 
compounds of sodium, calcium, magnesia, and iron. 

The Grand Canon Springs, near Richmond, under the management 
of I. N. Gates; the Alhambra Springs, under the management of L. M. 
Lasell ; and the Ferndale Springs, in the valleys back of Martinez, are 
exceptionally good table waters. They are being bottled and shipped by 
the thousands of gallons and serve to advertise in many homes one of 
the wonders of Contra Costa County. 

September 7, 1847, i^ SaUne, Mich., Lewis Risdon Mead was born. 
He came to California in 1863, by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, 
and became identified with his uncle, Orange Risdon, the founder of the 
Risdon Iron Works, of San Francisco. Orange Risdon located and 
bought from the Government two hundred acres of land in what is now 
eastern Contra Costa County, believing that the mineral springs that 
were located upon the same were of considerable financial value. Under 
his direction, his nephew, Lewis Risdon Mead, with a party of survey- 
ors, surveyed the tract to ascertain definitely whether or not these 
springs were located upon the property. Mr. Risdon intended the erec- 
tion of a large salt-evaporating plant, and had the iron pans made at his 
works in San Francisco, to be sent to what is now Byron, for the pur- 
pose of evaporating this water and collecting the salt. Mr. Mead, on go- 
ing to the place for his survey, found many campers that told him sto- 
ries of people who had been cured of rheumatism and allied conditions 
by bathing and drinking these natural waters. In 1868 Mr. Mead built a 
bath-tub and a small house on what was known as ''the sulphur spring,'* 
and it received a liberal patronage. In 1872 its popularity had grown so 
that a ten-room house was built to accommodate the bathers. In 1877 ^^ 
was rented by H. C. Gallagher, now of Denver, Colorado, who built sev- 
eral bath-houses at the different springs and established a stage-line 
thence to Byron. In 1880 Mr. Mead again took possession of the springs, 
and their wonderful development and popularity throughout California, 
the United States, and abroad were due entirely to his personal man- 
agement. He caused the salt-beds to be filled with ten or twelve feet of 
good earth, in order to grow the beautiful trees and shrubbery which 
now surround the hotel. In 1901 the first hotel, erected at a cost of $50,- 
000, was destroyed by fire. In 1902 this was supplanted by a $150,000 
Moorish building, built by Reid Brothers, of San Francisco, after which 




ir/7^.27y lVTJ^LiT/7er. .\''r 



^^dM-^^i^r-^ 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 



251 



Byron Hot Springs became one of the best-known resorts in Califor- 
nia. Unfortunately, this hotel was burned in 1912. It was, however, re- 
placed in 1914 by another fire-proof building, costing $100,000. A few 
days after Mr. Mead furnished the writer this data he died from acute 
bronchial pneumonia, June 13, 1916. There has been no man who has 
been more active and helpful in the development and the growth and 
welfare of Contra Costa County than Lewis Risdon Mead. He has left 
his handiwork written as an enduring monument in the large industry 
which he developed, in the cordial friendship with the men of affairs of 
central California, and in the health and affection portrayed in the coun- 
tenances of thousands of people who were relieved of suffering to be- 
come useful and happy men and women, owing to his organization and 
work. He was an active Mason, one of the founders of Brooklyn Lodge 
No. 225, of Oakland, and a member of the Knights Templars and of the 
Mystic Shrine. He was also a regent of the University of California 
and president of the Mechanics Institute of San Francisco for many 
years. He was an active Republican, and at all times a constructive 
builder. 

The early history of Contra Costa County is largely a record of the 
work of physicians who were lured to the Golden West by the spirit of 
adventure. In each section of the county is the name of some physician 
who was a determining factor in its material development. 

The most striking character in the early drama of Contra Costa 
County is that of Doctor John Marsh, who was born in Danvers, Massa- 
chusetts, June 5, 1799. His academic work was taken at Harvard Uni- 
versity, from which he graduated. His medical course was taken at 
Fort Snelling (now St. Paul), Minnesota, after which his love of ad- 
venture started him on his course. He traveled through practically the 
whole United States, engaging in the Indian wars of the West from 
1828 to 1835. He drifted through the southern portions of the United 
States and northern Mexico, reaching what is now Los Angeles, and 
coming north to the base of the great Mount Diablo about 1836 or 
1837. Doctor Marsh's personal appearance was commanding, his adroit- 
ness as a manager great. He had seen much of life, was a keen observer 
of men and things, was a thorough French and Spanish scholar, and had 
a very versatile mind. Many articles from his pen, descriptive of the 
country and dealing with the romance of the early Spanish-Indian days 



252 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

of California, appeared in Eastern publications. He obtained a grant of 
several thousand acres of land from the Mexican Government on the 
east base of Mount Diablo, which title was later confirmed by the 
United States. This he stocked with cattle. When the gold excitement 
came his land and cattle greatly advanced in value, until he became a 
very wealthy man. Doctor Marsh was not actively engaged in his pro- 
fessional calling, practicing only among the many people he employed, 
and who were settled upon his large estate, and those of his neighbors 
and friends. On September 24, 1856, he was foully murdered by three 
discharged employees near Concord, while on his way to Martinez. 

Doctor S. J. Tennent was born in Liverpool, England, January 5, 
1 81 8, and graduated in medicine from London University. Being en- 
thused with a spirit of romance and adventure, he shipped on board a 
whaling vessel for the Sandwich Islands, where for a few years he 
practiced medicine, becoming physician to the king of the islands. His 
roving disposition caused him to drift to San Francisco, where he land- 
ed a short time prior to the period of the discovery of gold in Califor- 
nia. On September 8, 1849, he married Rafaela Martinez, daughter of 
the commandant of the Presidio of San Francisco. On account of this 
marriage he inherited a large tract of land between Pinole and Mar- 
tinez, and gave his attention principally to farming and stock-raising. 
On April 11, 1854, he was appointed county physician, which position 
he held until February 8, 1872. He estabUshed the first drug-store in 
Martinez, in 1858. 

Doctor E. F, Hough was born in New York October 23, 1823, grad- 
uating from Berea College, Ohio, in 1839, and studying medicine in 
Cleveland, Ohio. He came to California with the first rush for gold. 
After spending a short time at various parts of the State, he came to 
Contra Costa County in October, 1853, and settled in the Ygnacio Val- 
ley, where he was one of the earhest settlers. There being very few 
white citizens, and the practice of medicine not being at all lucrative, he 
opened a store, which he abandoned in 1855 and came to Martinez, 
where he established the Hough Hotel, which he conducted for a quar- 
ter of a century. It is said he was the first discoverer of mineral paints 
in California. While a man of affairs and influence in the social devel- 
opment of the county, he was never actively engaged in the practice of 
medicine. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 253 

The grand old patriarch of Contra Costa County was without ques- 
tion Doctor James H. Carothers. He was born in Beaver County, Penn- 
sylvania, September 5, 1823. His academic work was taken at Ohio 
Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio, and he graduated in medicine 
from Miami Medical University. He came to California in 1852, visit- 
ed many different sections of the State, and finally decided upon Contra 
Costa County as his home. He went back to Ohio to bring his family to 
his new home, and in 1854 returned to California for permanent resi- 
dence in Contra Costa County, where he actively estabUshed himself in 
the practice of medicine. About i860 he bought sixty acres of land 
from Don Salvador Pacheco and laid out the town of Pacheco. Here 
he built stores, houses, and his own residence, and this town was for a 
long time the active business center of central Contra Costa County. In 
1869 he was elected to the State legislature upon the Republican ticket. 
On August 5, 1874, he was appointed county physician, which position 
he held for many years. In 1874 he moved back to Martinez, and this 
place remained his home until his death. His practice extended the full 
length of Contra Costa County, and he will always stand out as the 
most noted man in the medical history of Contra Costa County. He as- 
sisted in organizing the California State Medical Society, and in June, 
1877, organized and became president of the first Contra Costa Medical 
Society, and in this society he always maintained an active membership. 
Among those who had the good fortune to know Doctor Carothers he 
will be remembered as one of the brightest and most successful char- 
acters it was ever their lot to meet. 

Antioch. — In Antioch it appears that the first physician was Doctor 
Samuel Adams, who located about 1853, and confined his work to the 
treating of ulcers and tumors, which he invariably diagnosed as can- 
cers. He died in 1880. About i860 Doctor John R. Howard located in 
Antioch, and actively practiced medicine until 1874, when he moved to 
Oakland. About 1864 Doctor Van Black and Doctor Mayberry located. 
Doctor Ruggles came in 1866. Doctor Emmett L. Wemple located in 
Nortonville in 1873, and in a short time moved to Antioch, from which 
place he extensively practiced medicine in eastern Contra Costa County 
until 1888, when he moved to San Francisco. Doctor M. C. Parkison lo- 
cated in Antioch in 1875, where he continued to practice medicine until 



254 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



his death in 1910. Doctor Frank Rattan bought the practice of Doctor 
E. L. Wemple in 1888, and continued to practice in Antioch until 1901, 
when he moved to Martinez. Doctor T. B. De Witt came in 1891, and 
practiced a short time, and then moved to San Francisco. Doctor W. S. 
George came to Antioch a few months after Doctor Rattan, and has 
been in continuous practice since that time. Besides being a very busy 
physician, he has always been very active in the social and political af- 
fairs of his town and county. Doctor J. W. De Witt located in Antioch 
in 1894, after his uncle moved to San Francisco. He has been in con- 
tinuous active practice throughout eastern Contra Costa County since 
that time. He is one of the most active men in this county at the pres- 
ent time. Doctor Chas. B. Fisher located in Antioch in 1906, and re- 
mained about one year. Doctor Edward A. Diggins came to Antioch in 
191 1 from San Francisco, since which time he has continued to prac- 
tice in Antioch. Shortly after his arrival in Antioch he established a 
private hospital, which he conducted for a short time. Doctor Carlotta 
R. Deckelman located in Antioch in 191 5, and has built up a good prac- 
tice. 

The following is an early fee schedule from the office of Doctor M. 
C. Parkison, adopted by the physicians of Contra Costa County early 
in 1870: 

The following rates of charges have been agreed upon by the un- 
dersigned physicians of Contra Costa County : 

For each prescription or advice at office $2.00 

For special office examination 5.00 

For each visit in town during day time 2.50 

For each visit in town during night time, 10 p. m. to 7 a. m. 5.00 
For visits one mile from residence and under five miles $3.00 to 5.00 
For visits over five miles from residence, per mile ... i.oo 
For visits in consultation with usual mileage fee .... 5.00 
For ordinary midwifery with usual mileage fee .... 20.00 
For midwifery when instruments are required . $40.00 to 100.00 

M. C. Parkison, M. D. O. B. Adams, M. D. 

E. L. Wemple, M. D. G. E. Alexander, M. D. 

John Leffler, M.D. D. Walker, M. D. 

J. H. Carothers, M. D. H. V. Mott, M. D. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 255 

EXTRACT FROM CODE OF ETHICS 

"A physician ought not to take charge of, or prescribe for, a 
patient who has recently been under the care of another member of 
the faculty in the same illness, except in cases of sudden emergen- 
cy, or in consultation with the physician previously in attendance, 
or when the latter has relinquished the case, or been regularly not- 
ified that his services are no longer desired." 

Bay Point. — At the time of the establishment of the C. A. Smith Lum- 
ber Company at Bay Point in 191 1, Doctor George McKenzie, of Con- 
cord, established an emergency hospital for the care of the sick and in- 
jured of the company. He has been continuously in charge of it since 
that time. In 191 1 Doctor Orlando Pearson located in Bay Point, where 
he remained six months. 

Brentwood. — A great deal can be written concerning the early doc- 
tors of the vicinity of Brentwood and Byron. The earliest and most con- 
spicuous is that of Doctor John Marsh, whose history has been briefly 
given. Doctor Patterson located near Bethany in the eastern end of the 
county in the late '60s. His practice reached as far as the neighborhood 
of Antioch. He remained a good many years. Doctor C. A. E. Hertell 
practiced in the district about 1869 or 1870. He was a Methodist min- 
ister, and located at what was known as Point of Timber. He was of 
the old school and believed that calomel was the Hercules of Materia 
Medica. Doctor Meyers located in the vicinity in the '70s, and was 
known as the French doctor who performed miracles. Doctor Charles 
Connors came to Brentwood in 1886 or 1887 from Los Angeles, and 
remained about two years. Doctor H. V. Mott located in Marsh Creek 
about 1880, later removing to Brentwood, where he practiced until he 
died. Doctor J. E. Marsh came to Brentwood about 1898, practicing a 
short time. Doctor William B. Marsh located in Brentwood in 1893 and 
practiced a short time. He was followed by his brother-in-law, Doctor 
C. A. Bell, who remained two years. Doctor J. W. Ellis located on a 
farm near Oakley in 1896 and practiced until 1904. At present he is re- 
tired from active work. Doctor H. Rozsas located in Brentwood in 1900 
and practiced one year. He was followed by Doctor J. T. Gardner, who 
practiced for a short time. Doctor A. C. Bowerman then located in 



256 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Brentwood, where he remained one year. Doctor George F. Wise fol- 
lowed Doctor Gardner. After remaining eighteen months, he was 
compelled to leave on account of poor health. Doctor Frank S. Cook 
came to Brentwood immediately following the earthquake and fire in 
San Francisco, and he is still actively practicing his profession. He is 
widely known, particularly on account of his genial personality, in east- 
ern Contra Costa County, and is a prominent factor in its present de- 
velopment. Doctor L. B. Weatherbee located in Oakley in 1914, and has 
a very good practice. 

Byron. — The first man to locate in Byron was Doctor W. K. Doher- 
ty. His custom was to scatter handbills in the street, drifting them from 
the porches and windows, announcing himself as "the great venereal 
doctor." Doctor J. W. Hammond was next to locate in Byron, about 
1898, where he has been continuously in active practice. He has de- 
servedly enjoyed the utmost confidence of the people of this vicinity. 
Doctor Louis Mead, whose father was the founder and able manager 
of the Byron Hot Springs for many years, was resident physician at the 
springs about 1906. After remaining there for a few years, he moved to 
San Francisco. 

Concord. — In 1853 Doctor E. F. Hough located in the Ygnacio Val- 
ley, conducting a store and practicing medicine. He moved to Martinez 
in 1855. There was no physician located in this vicinity until Doctor J. 
H. Carothers located the town of Pacheco, where he resided until 1876. 
When Doctor Carothers moved to Martinez to assume the position of 
county health officer. Doctor Leffler moved to Pacheco, and practiced 
in Pacheco and Concord until 1891, when he returned to Martinez. 
About 1880 Doctor Edmund Bragdon moved from Martinez to Con- 
cord, and remained until about 1888, when he returned to Martinez. 
Doctor F. Bass practiced for a short time in 1886. Doctor Hayward G. 
Thomas came to Concord in 1887, when, after three years in general 
practice, he removed to Oakland, where he now lives, and limits his 
practice to eye, ear, nose, and throat work. In 1890 Doctor F. F. Neff, 
a graduate of Jefferson A/[edical College, located in Concord. He is one 
of the very finest types of men, has been continuously closely connected 
with the development of Concord, has an exceptionally large practice, 




<f} 



SLt^i^^y^^^ ^^'l^ 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 



257 



and possesses a host of loyal friends. The people of Concord have been 
particularly fortunate in their medical care. As a colleague of Doctor 
Neff's, Doctor George McKenzie, of Toronto University, located here 
in 1891. He is a very efficient, attentive, and busy physician, has con- 
tinuously been in charge of the emergency hospital at Bay Point, and 
has taken a particular interest in the development of the Concord school 
system. Doctor McKenzie is a brother of Superior Judge A. B. McKen- 
zie. Doctor Hamlin was located in Concord for a short time in the early 
'90s. During the smallpox epidemic of 1900 and 1901, Doctor E. A. 
Ormsby, brother of Assistant District Attorney A. S. Ormsby, was lo- 
cated in Concord. Doctor W. N. Finney located in Concord in 1912, 
and has a very good practice. Doctor E. E. Johnson came in 1914. He is 
a man of ability, and will build up a very good practice. 

CowELL. — Doctor W. E. Bixby was the first physician for the Cow- 
ell-Portland Cement Company. He practiced from 1909 to 1913, and in 
1913 Doctor F. B. Cone succeeded him. Doctor C. C. Fitzgibbon suc- 
ceeded Doctor Cone in 1914, and is now resident physician. Besides the 
company work he has a very good general practice. 

Crockett. — Doctor J. S. Riley moved from Port Costa to Crockett 
in 1893 ^^^ established a very extensive practice. He always had a great 
interest in all civic aflfairs, and during his long practice in this vicinity 
aided greatly in its development. After a very useful life, he died from 
cancer of the tongue in 1909. Doctor H. N. Yates located in Valona in 
1897, established a very extensive practice, and remained about six 
years. Doctor F. S. Cook came to Crockett in 1898 and remained about 
eighteen months. Doctor William C. Yates became associated with his 
brother. Doctor H. N. Yates, about 1901, and remained in Crockett 
about two years. Doctor Otto M. Schultz came to Crockett in 1901, but 
only remained a short time. Doctor J. W. Key moved from Pinole to 
Crockett in 1902, remained there several years, and built up an exten- 
sive practice. Doctor A. H. White located in Crockett in 1906 and re- 
mained about eighteen months. He established a hospital in Valona, 
which he conducted for a short time. Doctor George W. Sweetser came 
to Crockett in 1907 and remained until 1914. Doctor WilHam F. Booth 
and his brother, Edwin F. Booth, after conducting a general merchan- 



258 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

disc store in Valona for several years, studied naturopathy, and regis- 
tered to practice in Valona in 1907 and 1909 respectively. Doctor F. A. 
McManus located in Crockett in 1912, and after a few months of busy 
practice, while returning from making a call upon a patient, was acci- 
dentally killed by a Southern Pacific train at Vallejo Junction. Doctor 
J. G. Harrington located for a fewmonths in 1914. Doctor J. H. Adams 
came to Crockett in 1914, and has built up a very extensive practice 
along this section of the water-front. Doctor G. M. O'Malley came in 
19 1 5, and has made many friends during the short time he has been 
here. 

Danville. — The first physician to locate in Danville was Doctor J. 
S. Labaree, who came in 1854 and remained until his death, in i860. 
Doctor George E. Alexander located here in 1870 and remained several 
years. Doctor E. R. Layne practiced for a short time in 1894. Doctor 
George W. Desrosier located in 1896 and remained a short time. Doc- 
tor H. C. Reamer located in 1901 and built up an extensive practice. He 
retired in 191 5 on account of poor health. In 1916 Doctor Love came 
from Pasadena to Danville, and has a good practice. 

Martinez. — In 1849 Doctor William B. Bolton located in what is 
now Martinez. In the list of names of voters of 1850 appears the name 
of Doctor George Lawrence. Doctor John Strentzel came in 1853, and 
was one of the most active of the early men of central Contra Cpsta 
County. He helped organize and was the first master of the Alhambra 
Grange, and was active in the building and management of the Gran- 
gers' warehouse. Doctor J. H. Carothers came to Martinez in 1852, but 
only remained a short time, and moved to Pacheco. He later relocated 
in Martinez in 1874. Doctor E. F. Hough moved from the Ygnacio Val- 
ley to Martinez in 1855. He spent most of his time conducting a hotel, 
although he did some active practice. Doctor C. A. Ruggles located in 
1858. Doctor Charles E. Holbrook located late in the '60s, and succeed- 
ing in 1872 Doctor S. J. Tennent, of Pinole Valley, as county physician. 
Doctor Edmund Bragdon located in 1872, remained a few years, and 
then moved to Concord. He later returned to Martinez, where he died. 
Doctor John Leffler located in 1874, moved to Pacheco in 1876, and re- 
turned to Martinez again in 1891, where he died. About 1875 Doctor 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 259 

J. R. Howard located in Martinez. He was a man of considerable liter- 
ary ability. Several of his articles appeared in the early periodicals, be- 
ing mostly descriptive of central California. Doctor H. V. Bernett 
located in Martinez in 1877. Doctor E. E. Brown, who was a resident of 
Martinez, and whose family were to a great extent the molders of the 
early political and social affairs of central Contra Costa County, grad- 
uated at the Kentucky School of Medicine in 1882, and immediately lo- 
cated in Martinez. He built up a very extensive practice and held many 
positions of honor and trust in the community, being county physician 
for many years. He died in Martinez in 191 3. The first woman physi- 
cian, Mrs. M. A. Howard, located in 1885, remaining only a few 
months. Doctor Charles G. Merrell came to Martinez in 1886, remained 
two years, and moved to San Francisco in 1888. Doctor John B. Ten- 
nent, the son of Doctor S. J. Tennent, one of the first settlers of Con- 
tra Costa County, was the first county physician — from 1895 to 1897. 
He graduated at the Cooper Medical College in 1888 and returned to 
the county of his birth, soon becoming one of the busiest and best- 
known men in Contra Costa County. After a few short years of active 
work, he died in October, 1897. Doctor Joseph T. Breneman located in 
Martinez in 1892 and soon established a very large practice. He served 
as county health officer for many years, having charge during the small- 
pox epidemic in the years 1900 to 1901, and at one time had one hun- 
dred and fifty-three cases in quarantine. It is stated that no case gave a 
history of previous vaccination. In 1908 he established a private hos- 
pital in Martinez, which he conducted for some time. He moved to Rust 
in 191 1. Doctor Mary Leonard Murphy located in 1897 and remained 
until 1901. In 1899, at the time of the building of the San Joaquin Val- 
ley Railroad, now part of the Santa Fe system. Doctor A. P. Mulligan 
was the railroad company's surgeon, and remained in Martinez and vi- 
cinity during the period of construction. Doctor John E.Fleming located 
in Martinez in 1893 and remained only a short time. Doctor Frank 
Rattan moved from Antioch to Martinez in 1901 and built up an ex- 
tensive practice. He established a drug-store, which he personally con- 
ducted. After a few years of very hard work. Doctor Rattan was com- 
pelled to retire on account of ill-health. He has been practically con- 
fined to his home for several years, but in defiance of his painful mal- 
ady he has at all times preserved his cheerful and cordial friendships. 



26o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

His retirement from active practice has been deeply regretted, both by 
his colleagues and his many loyal friends. Doctor George W. Sweetser 
first came to Martinez in 1903. He remained four years, then moved to 
Crockett, returning again to Martinez in 1914. Doctor Sweetser has a 
legion of friends and has a very extensive practice. Doctor George P. 
Wintermute came to Martinez in 1897 and remained one year. In 1905 
Doctor Edwin Merrithew moved from Geyserville to Martinez. His 
cheerful personaUty and attention to his work has made him one of the 
busiest men of Contra Costa County. He has been county physician 
since 1910. Doctor William S. Lavy came to Martinez in 1910 and re- 
mained for eighteen months. Doctor E. B. Fitzpatrick became associ- 
ated with Doctor Frank Rattan in 191 1, and two years later, when Doc- 
tor Rattan was forced to retire on account of ill-health, succeeded him. 
He has been secretary of the County Medical Society for many years 
and is a very busy man. He was married in September, 1916. Doctor J. 
H. Hawkins located in Martinez in 191 5 and for the short time which 
he has been here, is building up a very good practice. 

NoRTONViLLE. — Dr. Emmett L. Wemple located in 1873 and re- 
mained a short time. Doctor Joseph L. Woolford practiced in the late 
'70s. Doctor R. D. Spedding succeeded Doctor Woolford. Doctor Hugo 
Rozsas had an extensive practice in Nortonville until the mines closed 
down in 1884. 

Pinole. — Doctor S. J. Tennent came to what is now Pinole in 1849, 
but did not devote his entire time to the practice of medicine, al- 
though he served as county physician for a number of years. Doctor J. 
McI. Morrison located in Pinole in 1896, and was the first actual active 
practitioner in the town. Doctor Morrison remained in Pinole for about 
four years, and in 1905 relocated there for a few months. Doctor R. B. 
Stanley Smith located in Pinole in 1901 and remained about one year. 
Doctor J. W. Key came in 1901 and stayed one year. Doctor Herbert 
Watt practiced in Pinole from 1902 to 1905. Doctor Devore followed 
Doctor Key, and Doctor H. Y. Baldwin came in 1906 and remained for 
a few months. Doctor M. L. Fernandez came from San Francisco to 
Pinole in 1906 and has been in continuous practice here since that time. 
Pinole was the birthplace of Doctor Fernandez and his boyhood home. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 261 

His father had very extensive business interests here. The Doctor has 
estabUshed a very extensive practice, and is undoubtedly one of the 
busiest men in Contra Costa County. He also has extensive business in- 
terests. Doctor F. P. McManus came as an assistant to Doctor Fernan- 
dez in 1916, and is resident physician at the Hercules Powder Com- 
pany. 

Pittsburg. — The history of a considerable part of the growth and 
development of Pittsburg can be written around the name of Doctor 
Frank S. Gregory. He graduated from the Cooper Medical College in 
1900, and soon after located in Pittsburg. He had the confidence and 
patronage of the entire population of this city, and was very active in 
its economic and social development, serving for many years as chair- 
man of the city council and as a member of its school board. He was 
perhaps the most active man in Pittsburg in its civic development. In 
1914 he made an extended visit in the East while engaged in postgrad- 
uate studies, and after returning to California located in Redwood 
City. In 1913 Doctor Lucian A. Bauter located in Pittsburg and has 
built up a good practice. Doctor W. A. Nicolson succeeded Doctor F. S. 
Gregory and remained for about a year and a half, and later removed 
to Oakland. Doctor S. H. Marks succeeded Doctor Nicolson, and has 
made many friends, building up an extensive practice. Doctor H. E. 
Peters located in Pittsburg early in 191 5. He is a man with a very genial 
personality and of good medical training, and is a very busy practi- 
tioner. 

Port Costa. — The first physician to locate along the Port Costa- 
Crockett water-front was Doctor J. S. Riley, who came to Port Costa 
in 1882, and was physician for the Southern Pacific Company until 
1893. Doctor A. W. Rickey came to Port Costa in 1892 and was ap- 
pointed the Southern Pacific Company's physician, to succeed Doctor 
Riley, and remained in Port Costa until 1912. He served as county phy- 
sician from 1905 to 191 1. 

Richmond. — The first physician to locate in Richmond was Doctor 
L. T. Gorsuch, who came to Richmond in the early part of 1901. He 
was the first surgeon of the Santa Fe Railroad Company, had a good 
practice, and built a fine home. He unfortunately contracted pulmonary 



262 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

tuberculosis and was forced to leave Richmond in May, 1903, going to 
the mountains for his health. He died that fall. Doctor George W. 
Stockwell came to Richmond from San Pablo in the summer of 1901, 
practiced for about two years, when he succumbed to an attack of 
acute appendicitis. Doctor P. C. Campbell came to Richmond in the fall 
of 1901 and has been in continuous practice since that time. He has 
always been a very popular man. He was a member of Governor Par- 
dee's staff and had charge of the State medical aid during the earth- 
quake and fire in San Francisco. He served as assemblyman in this dis- 
trict in 1908, and was president of the County Medical Society in 1916. 
Doctor J. McI. Morrison came from Pinole to Richmond late in the fall 
of 1903 and enjoyed a good practice. He served as city health officer, 
remaining in Richmond until 191 1, when he went to Portola. He died 
of cancer of the stomach in 191 3. Doctor L. Goldschmidt located in 
Richmond for a few months in 1902, then moved to Los Angeles, where 
he now lives. Doctor U. S. Abbott and Doctor H. N. Barney came to 
Richmond on the same Santa Fe ferry-boat early in 1902. Doctor Ab- 
bott assisted Doctor Gorsuch in his practice for a few months, when he 
became ship surgeon on a German steamer and went to Germany. 
After spending a short time in German cities he returned to New York 
for short postgraduate work, and located in Grand Junction, Colorado, 
where he lived until 1908. He came to Richmond in 1908 and became 
associated with Doctor C. L. Abbott in estabUshing the Abbott Hos- 
pital. He has many friends and a good practice. Doctor Barney served 
as city health officer, and has always had an extensive practice. On ac- 
count of his cheerful personality, he is prominent in fraternal circles. 
Ill-health forced him to retire in 1916, a fact that is deeply regretted by 
his colleagues and many loyal friends. Doctor H. F. Worley assisted 
Doctor Gorsuch in his practice for a few months during his illness. 
Doctor C. L. Abbott moved from San Pablo to Richmond in the sum- 
mer of 1902, succeeding Doctor Gorsuch. He has served as surgeon for 
the Santa Fe Railroad Company since 1903, was a member of the com- 
mittee which secured the incorporation of the city of Richmond, has 
served as county coroner since 1907, and was a member of the board of 
freeholders which drafted the first city charter. Doctor C. R. Blake 
came in 1903, and at all times has had an extensive practice. He reor- 
ganized the city health department, and has given to the city of Rich- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 263 

mond undoubtedly one of the best health departments of any city of its 
size. Doctor Blake since 1914 has been limiting his practice to eye, ear, 
nose, and throat work, being the first of Richmond's medical men to 
take up a specialty. Doctor L. K. Riley came to Richmond in 1903, has 
always had a good practice, and has found time to assist in the civic 
affairs of the city. Doctor W. B. Brown came to Richmond early in 
1903, and published the Richmond Terminal newspaper. He has always 
been a good booster for the town. Dr. William S. Lucas arrived 
in Richmond in the fall of 1903. He has always been attentive and 
an efficient man in his work, has lived continuously in Richmond, and 
has an extensive practice. Doctor W. E. Cunningham came to Rich- 
mond in 1905. He has a splendid personality, is attentive and capable in 
his work, and is now one of the best-known men in Contra Costa Coun- 
ty. He built a fine business building on Macdonald Avenue in 1916. 
Doctor J. W. O'Brien located in Richmond in 1906, remained about 
one year, then moved to Sacramento, where he now lives. Doctor Mar- 
guerite Deininger-Keser came to Richmond as an assistant to Doctor 
C. L. Abbott in 1907, and after two years of associated practice with 
the latter, estabhshed her own office. She has always had a good prac- 
tice and many loyal friends. Doctor A. E. Byron came to Richmond in 
1907 as a representative of the North American Hospital Association. 
He remained about eighteen months, and was succeeded by Doctor 
Thornburg, who remained about nine months. Doctor H. V. Prouty 
succeeded Dr. Thornburg in the Hospital Association, and estabhshed 
a private hospital on Twelfth Street, which he conducted for a short 
time. Doctor Prouty lived in Richmond about three years. Doctor L. A. 
Martin moved from San Pablo to Richmond in 191 1, and was house 
physician to the Abbott Hospital until 1914, when he assumed a similar 
position with the Roosevelt Hospital and moved to Berkeley. Doctor 
Hall Vestal came to Richmond in the fall of 1910. He has an extensive 
practice, and has taken a considerable interest in the social and civic 
affairs of the city. Doctor R. Del Mas located in Richmond for a few 
months in the winter of 191 1 and 1912. Doctor W. E. Caesar came to 
Richmond in 191 2 and soon built up a very good practice. He estab- 
lished the Barrett Sanitarium in 1916, which he now conducts. Doctor 
H. T. Risdon in 191 2 located in Richmond for a few months. Doctor 
S. M. Benner came in 1912 and remained one year. Doctor C. H. Wood- 



264 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ruff, osteopath, located in 1913, and remained until 1916, when he 
moved to Napa. Doctor H. L. Carpenter came in 1913, and for the short 
time he has been here has a very big practice. He is well liked by his 
colleagues and has many loyal friends. Doctor W. W. Frazer came to 
Richmond in 1913, and has a good practice. Doctor J. B. Taylor located 
in Richmond for a few months in 1914. Doctor L B. March carrie to 
Richmond in 1914 and established a good practice. He entered the U. 
S. Army Medical Reserve staff in 1916, and is now stationed at Mon- 
terey. Doctor C. H. Gibbons registered to practice in Richmond in 1914. 
Doctor H. N. Belgum established the Belgum Sanitarium in 1914 for the 
care of nervous diseases, and is medical superintendent of the same. In 
191 5 Doctor M. F. Underwood was located here for a few months. 

Rust. — In 191 1 Dr. Joseph T. Breneman located at Rust. 

San Pablo. — About 1855 Doctor David Goodale came to San Pablo, 
settled on a ranch, and engaged in farming and stock-raising. His prac- 
tice of medicine was limited to that of his employees and neighbors. He 
died about 1885 in San Francisco. Doctor Jacob M. Tewksbury came 
from South America to San Pablo and bought a large tract of land, 
which he leased to tenants. He did not actively engage in the practice 
of medicine, and part of the time lived in San Francisco. He died in the 
early '70s. Doctor Kingsbury was the first man to devote his entire time 
to the practice of medicine. He located in 1868 and remained about four 
years. Doctor Dunbar came in 1870 and remained five years. Doctor 
O. B. Adams came from Oakland in 1876 and built up an extensive 
practice, later returning to Oakland, but continued to have a large prac- 
tice through the San Pablo country. Doctor Hatch also located in 1876, 
but remained only a short time. Doctor C. C. Kelley practiced for a few 
months in 1877. Doctor L. Wallendorff located here in 1878. He con- 
tinued his study of medicine at the California Medical College at Oak- 
land and had his original certificate canceled in April, 1880, registering 
as a graduate from the California Medical College. He remained in San 
Pablo about four years. Doctor Harwood came in 1880 and remained 
about one year. Doctor Bramman located in what is now Rust and 
practiced in the vicinity of San Pablo. Doctor Larkin came to San Pab- 
lo in 1884 and remained about two years. Doctor Smith practiced for a 
few months in 1885. Doctor John Gardner located in 1887 and remained 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 265 

about three years. Doctor C. E. Camp first came to San Pablo about 
1891, where he continued to practice until 1899, when he moved to Hon- 
olulu. He returned to San Pablo again in 1908, where he has since re- 
sided. Doctor Camp has at all times had a very extensive practice 
throughout the San Pablo Valley, and is undoubtedly the best-known 
practitioner in this vicinity. Doctor J. McI. Morrison located in 1894, 
remained two years, and moved to Pinole. Doctor E. G. Bennett located 
in 1898, practiced two years, then moved to Petaluma. Doctor George 
W. Stockwell succeeded Doctor Camp in 1899, remained about eighteen 
months, then moved to Richmond. Doctor C. L. Abbott succeeded Dr. 
Bennett in August, 1900, remained eighteen months, then moved to 
Richmond. Doctor L. A. Martin succeeded Doctor Abbott in 1902, re- 
mained in San Pablo until 191 1, when he moved to Richmond. 

Walnut Creek. — The first physician reported to have been located 
in what is now Walnut Creek was Doctor Smith, about 1859. In 1868 
Doctor Rowan was located at Bareges Springs, and practiced in the vi- 
cinity of Walnut Creek for about ten years. Doctor C. C. Kelley located 
here in 1877 for a short time. Doctor J. E. Pearson came in 1878. Doc- 
tor W. E. Hook, a brother of Supervisor Vincent Hook, after gradu- 
ating at the University of California, returned to Walnut Creek, where 
he practiced a short time. Unfortunately, Doctor Hook died at a very 
early age. Doctor E. E. Brown practiced here for a short time about 
1880. Doctor W. F. Lynch came in 1885. Doctor Joseph T. Breneman 
was here from 1895 to 1897. Doctor C. R. Leech practiced here from 
1897 to 1902. Doctor Fred Watt came in 1902 and remained until 1904. 
Doctor C. R. Leech returned to Walnut Creek in 1904 and has since 
that time made it his home. To think of Walnut Creek is to think of 
Doctor Leech, a man of excellent personaUty and exceptional ability. 
He has a very extensive practice throughout the San Ramon Valley. 
Doctor Charles Allen Stevens, osteopath, practiced for a short time in 
1907. Doctor Carolyn C. Cole came in 1910 and devoted part of her 
time to the practice of medicine. Doctor Louise A, Oldenbourg, who is 
specializing in anesthetics, has made Walnut Creek her home since 191 5. 

Hospitals. — Prior to 1880 the Board of Supervisors awarded con- 
tracts to private persons for the board and care of indigent sick, the 



266 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

price of clothing and medicine and physician's bills not to be taken into 
consideration. These contracts were awarded for one year. On June i6, 
1880, the board purchased lots 163-165 of the original survey of the 
town of Martinez, for the sum of $825, to be used as the site for the 
county infirmary. In 1881 the contract was let for the erection of three 
one-story buildings for hospital purposes, upon the county hospital 
grounds, according to plans and specifications prepared by E. W. Hiller. 
The contract was let to Lamb & Ferrie for $3225, In 1910, according to 
plans and specifications furnished by Architect Weeks, R. H. Ingra- 
ham, contractor, built the first wing of the present hospital, at a cost 
of about $40,000, and in 191 4 the second wing was built, at a cost of 
$36,000. The hospital grounds contain seven acres. In 1910-11 there 
were 298 patients admitted to the hospital; in 1915-16 there were 666 
patients admitted. The hospital staff consists of a superintendent, a 
surgeon-in-chief, an assistant surgeon, a matron, and five graduate 
nurses. Statistics for the year ending June 30, 1916, are as follows : The 
average daily number of patients, 97.22 ; the average daily per capita 
cost, seventy-eight cents; average daily number of employees, fifteen. 
Patients are admitted to the county hospital by permits from their su- 
pervisor. All classes of cases are admitted. Paid patients are charged 
for at the rate of fifteen dollars a week for room and board, including 
general nursing. The ward rates are ten dollars a week. Special nurse's 
board is fifty cents a day. The county hospital has juvenile detention 
and insane detention departments. W. H. Hough has been superinten- 
dent practically ever since the completion of the new building, in 1910, 
during which time he has been an efficient, capable manager, and estab- 
Hshed the first organized and regular system of accounting. The Her- 
cules Powder Company established an emergency hospital at Hercules 
in 1902, which has been continuously conducted. Doctor A. H. White 
established a private hospital at Valona in 1906, which he conducted for 
about two months. Doctor Joseph T. Breneman estabUshed a private 
hospital in Martinez in 1907, which he conducted for about six months. 
Doctor C. L. Abbott and Doctor U. S. Abbott estabUshed the Abbott 
Hospital in Point Richmond in 1908. This hospital had a capacity of 
twenty-five beds. Doctor L. A. Martin was medical superintendent. It 
was a general hospital until 1913, since which time it has been con- 
ducted only as an emergency hospital. Doctor George McKenzie es- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 267 

tablished an emergency hospital at Bay Point in 1909, of which he still 
has charge. Doctor Edward A. Diggins established the Valley Hospital 
at Antioch in 191 1, which he conducted about one year. Miss Jeanie 
Craven estabHshed the Craven Hospital at Richmond in 191 3, which 
she has continuously conducted. It is the largest general hospital besides 
the county hospital in the county. Doctor Blumenburg established the 
"A-B-C" Hospital at Walnut Creek in 1914. The Standard Oil Com- 
pany has a beautiful and complete emergency hospital at its refinery in 
Richmond, established in 191 5. During the first year there were over 
four thousand patients treated at this hospital. Doctor Charles A. 
Dukes is surgeon-in-chief ; Doctor C. L. Abbott, Doctor U. S. Abbott, 
Doctor W. S. Lucas, and Doctor W. E. Cunningham are associate sur- 
geons. Miss N. Y. Frazer is nurse in charge, and Miss Lydiksen as- 
sistant nurse. Doctor W. E. Caesar estabHshed the Barrett Sanitarium 
in Richmond in 1916. 

County Physicians. — The first county physician was Doctor S. J. 
Tennent, appointed April 11, 1854. He served until February 8, 1872, 
when he was succeeded by Doctor Charles E. Holbrook. Doctor Hol- 
brook resigned August 5, 1874, and was succeeded by Doctor J. H. 
Carothers. Doctor H. Bernett succeeded Doctor Carothers August 4, 
1880, and served until February 4, 1895. Doctor J. B. Tennent was then 
appointed and served until January 18, 1897. Doctor E. E. Brown was 
then appointed and held the position until February i, 1897. He was 
then succeeded by Doctor J. B. Tennent, who served until November 
I, 1897, when he died. Doctor E. E. Brown was then appointed and 
served until January 3, 1903. Doctor A. W. Rickey succeeded Doctor 
Brown until March 6, 1911, when Doctor Edwin Merrithew was ap- 
pointed, and has served continuously since that time. 

County Health Officers. — When Dr. J. H. Carothers was ap- 
pointed county physician in 1874 he also assumed the position of coun- 
ty health officer, which he held until 1882. Dr. H. Bernett, who was 
then county physician, was appointed health officer and served until 
1895. From 1895 until June, 1897, there was a health officer appointed 
in each supervisor district. On June i, 1897, Doctor Joseph T. Brene- 
man was appointed and served until July 8, 1904, when he was succeed- 



268 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ed by Doctor George McKenzie. Doctor W. S. George, of Antioch, was 
appointed September 5, 1905, and served until September 7, 1906, when 
his successor, Doctor J. W. De Witt, was appointed. Doctor Frank S. 
Gregory was appointed September 5, 1908, and served until September 
5, 191 1, when Doctor W. S. George was appointed to the position, 
which he has held continuously since that time. 

Health Department of Richmond. — The first health officer ap- 
pointed in the city of Richmond was Doctor H. N. Barney, having been 
appointed November 2y, 1905. He served until April 28, 1908, when he 
was succeeded by Doctor J. McI. Morrison, who served until July 6, 
1909, when Doctor H. N. Barney was again appointed to the position 
of commissioner of health under the new charter. On March 6, 1910, 
he was succeeded by Doctor C. R. Blake, who has served continuously 
up to the present time. The sanitary requirements of the growing city 
have caused the health department to grow from one man, a single 
health officer without a city office, to the present force, which consists 
of a commissioner of health, a sanitary inspector, two assistant sanitary 
inspectors, a chemist, a market and meat inspector, and a stenographer. 
The department is active in every line that will benefit the health of its 
citizens. Vacant lots are kept clean of all rubbish, official fly-traps and 
rat-traps are in operation all over the city. Meat markets, vegetable 
markets, hotels, stores, stables, and back yards are regularly inspected. 
Milk is regularly tested in the city laboratory. All milk sold in the city 
is required to be pasteurized. Before this regulation was adopted there 
was an average every month of from one to five cases of typhoid fever 
in the city, but since the pasteurizing law went into effect, nine months 
ago, only one case of typhoid fever has been reported, and there has 
not been a single death from intestinal disease of any infant under one 
year of age. In 1908 several cases of bubonic plague were reported in 
Contra Costa County, and an investigation was conducted by the United 
States Public Health Service under Doctor Blue, surgeon in charge for 
the Pacific Coast District. Doctor Long had direct charge of the investi- 
gation in Contra Costa County. Upon examination of squirrels and rats 
it was found that the plague infection was prevalent in both. A cam- 
paign to make a free plague zone surrounding Contra Costa County 
and Alameda County was inaugurated, and thousands of squirrels and 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION 269 

rats were destroyed. There have been found 1629 infected ground- 
squirrels. Six cases of plague have been reported in Contra Costa 
County, four of whom died. 

County Medical Society. — The Contra Costa County Medical So- 
ciety was first organized in June, 1877, with Doctor J. H. Carothers, 
president, and Doctor E. L. Wemple, secretary. Other members were 
Doctors H. V. Mott, John McFayden, John Leffler, Walter Hook, O. 

B. Adams, W. B. Bolton, and Edmund Bragdon, Jr. This society had 
meetings in the different towns of the county for six years, and finally 
went out of existence in 1884. The presidents were: J. H. Carothers, 
1877; Edmund Bragdon, Jr., 1878; John Leffler, 1879; W. B. Bolton, 
1880; O. B. Adams, 1881 ; Walter Hook, 1882 ; H. V. Mott, 1883. Doc- 
tor E. L. Wemple remained secretary during this entire period. In 1889 
a reorganization took place in Martinez. Doctor Edmund Bragdon, Jr., 
was made president, and John B. Tennent became secretary. Other 
members were Doctors Frank Rattan, J. H. Carothers, H. G. Thomas, 
F. F. Neff, A. W. Rickey, F. S. Cook and W. S. George. This society 
lasted for only three years. The presidents were Doctor Edmund Brag- 
don, Jr., 1889; Doctor Frank Rattan, 1900; Doctor J. H. Carothers, 
1901. Doctor John B. Tennent remained secretary. In 1902 the society 
was again brought into existence. Doctor Joseph T. Breneman, as presi- 
dent, and Doctor F. F. Neff, as secretary, were the officers for the first 
year. Other members were Doctors Frank Rattan, E. E. Brown, C. L. 
Abbott, A. W. Rickey, J. H. Carothers, F. S. Cook, Geo. McKenzie, 
and W. S. George. This society died during the third year. Presidents 
were Joseph T. Breneman, 1902 ; E. E. Brown, 1903 ; Geo. McKenzie, 
1904. Dr. F. F. Neff remained secretary. The present society was formed 
in 1906. Doctor C. L. Abbott was elected president and J. W. Key sec- 
retary. Other members were Doctors Frank Rattan, Geo. McKenzie, F. 
F. Neff, F. S. Cook, E. E. Brown, Joseph T. Breneman, W. S. George, 
A. W. Rickey, and J. H. Carothers. The presidents were C. L. Abbott, 
1906; Joseph T. Breneman, 1907; Frank Rattan, 1908; F. F. Neff, 1909; 

C. R. Leech, 1910; C. R. Blake, 191 1; H. N. Barney, 1912; W. S. 
George, 1913 ; U. S. Abbott, 1914 and 1915 ; P. C. Campbell, 1916. The 
secretaries were J. W. Key, 1906 to 1908; Frank Rattan, 1908 to 1912; 
E. B. Fitzpatrick, 1912 to 1916. Members at present (1916) are F. F. 



270 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



Neff, F. S. Cook, C. R. Leech, E. B. Fitzpatrick, J. H. Hammond, H. L. 
Carpenter, M. L. Fernandez, H. N. Barney, W. J. Caesar, C. R. Blake, 
Frank Rattan, Louise A. Oldenbourg, G. W. Sweetser, E. W. Merri- 
thew, G. M. O'Malley, C. E. Camp, P. C. Campbell, W. S. Lucas, A. W. 
Rickey, C. L. Abbott, U. S. Abbott, C C. FitzGibbon, and F. P. Mc- 
Manus. 




/f'ONl:^ 



72^-e--, 



CHAPTER XXII 
BANKING 

BY W. A. HALE 

In THE early history of Contra Costa County, before the organization 
of any regular bank, banking was more or less informally carried on by 
merchants and other private parties. This form of banking varied; in 
some cases the merchant having a safe was requested to keep a sack 
containing funds belonging to customers, and out of these funds he paid 
out money for the owner upon written order or otherwise. 

In other cases he accepted the money and mingled it with his own, 
making use of it if needed in his business, being ready to meet orders 
drawn on him when presented. In some cases he allowed the owner a 
small amount of interest, and in some cases the care of the money was 
considered proper compensation. 

Hale & Brother, general merchants in the town of Pacheco, was one 
of the firms doing this business. Wheat was very high and the farmers 
had large crops. They soon had plenty of money, and made a practice of 
asking William Hale, senior member of the firm, to loan their surplus 
funds on good mortgages. This business grew to such proportions that 
to avoid discrimination he began taking the money, allowing the owner 
a certain per cent, and loaning it out on his own account. With this be- 
ginning a bank was organized and incorporated on December 29, 1870, 
with a capital stock of $50,000, and under the incorporate name of the 
Contra Costa Savings & Loan Bank. The principal place of business was 
in the town of Pacheco, and the following men were named as directors : 
W. K. Dell, G. M. Bryant, John Gambs, Barry Baldwin, and W. M. 
Hale. 

The business was limited to savings and loan only, and on March 27, 
1872, the Contra Costa Bank was incorporated to do a general banking 
business, the capital stock, principal place of business, and directors 
being the same as those of the bank previously mentioned. 

This enterprise was so successful and seemed to meet the growing 



2^2 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



needs of the country to such an extent, that Hale & Brother sold out 
their store in Pacheco and came to the county seat, Martinez, where 
they became associated with L. I. Fish, Charles Fish, and others in the 
organization of the Bank of Martinez. The bank in Pacheco went out of 
business, and the Bank of Martinez is now the oldest incorporated bank 
in the county. It was incorporated on October 7, 1873. The board of 
directors chosen at the time of incorporation was made up of the fol- 
lowing: L. I. Fish, William W. Cameron, Simon Blum, Henry M. Hale, 
and William M. Hale. Among the original stockholders the following 
names appear in addition to the above-named directors : Charles Fish, 
B. Baldwin, and Isaac Ayer. 

L. I. Fish was the first president and WilHam M. Hale the first cash- 
ier, his brother, Henry M. Hale, acting as bookkeeper and general as- 
sistant. The Hales constituted the active force behind the counter for 
the first ten years of the existence of the bank. 

It was originally incorporated with a capital stock of $50,000, but it 
was soon evident that this was not sufficient, and on May 26, 1875, the 
capital was increased to $100,000. 

William M. Hale's health failing, in July, 1883, he finally resigned 
his position as cashier. He lived only a few weeks longer, passing away 
on August 20, 1883. Henry M. Hale was then elected cashier, and W. 
A. Hale, son of William M. Hale, was appointed bookkeeper and gen- 
eral assistant in July, 1883. 

L. I. Fish continued as president of the bank until July, 1890, when 
he retired from active business, sold his interest in the bank, thereby 
ceasing to be its president. L. C. Wittenmyer was chosen to succeed 
him. 

The affairs of the bank continued under the management of L. C. 
Wittenmyer as president and H. M. Hale as cashier until January 9, 
1899, when, owing to the death of H. M. Hale, which occurred on Jan- 
uary 6, 1899, and to the fact that Wittenmyer had disposed of his stock 
in the bank, James Rankin was elected president and W. A. Hale 
cashier. 

In May, 1900, it became necessary to have a vice-president, and that 
office being created, W. S. Tinning was elected the first vice-president 
of the bank. 

On October 15, 1901, James Rankin died, having acted as president 



BANKING 273 

of the bank for less than three years. While his tenure of office was 
short, he had nevertheless served at a time and in a manner which con- 
tributed much to the rapid growth of the bank, which began about that 
time. 

On January 13, 1902, W. S. Tinning was elected president, and J. M. 
Stow vice-president, W. A. Hale continuing as cashier. The only other 
changes in the officers of the bank since that date occurred when A. E. 
Dunkel succeeded J. M. Stow as vice-president in January, 1909. The 
position of assistant cashier was created in January, 1906, and Lee Dur- 
ham was appointed to that position. 

In June, 191 3, Durham left the bank to become cashier of a new bank 
that was about to be started in Brentwood, and Frank R. Jones was 
made assistant cashier. At the same time a second assistant cashier was 
needed, and Miss Janet Rankin was appointed, both these officers hav- 
ing served on the clerical force for over ten years. 

In addition to the above record of the officials of the bank, there have 
been many prominent men who have served as directors ; the list is too 
long to be fully set forth here. However, in addition to the various 
presidents, vice-presidents, and cashiers already named, there might be 
mentioned Bernardo Fernandez, Simon Blum, Charles Fish, John Tor- 
mey, Patrick Tormey, J. H. Carothers, and A. B. Coleman, who each 
served on the board of directors. Of these Bernardo Fernandez has the 
distinction of having served the longest in that capacity. He was ap- 
pointed to fill a vacancy on the board on August 13, 1877, and served 
thereafter continuously until his death on May 12, 1912, a period of 
nearly thirty-five years. 

The present board of directors is composed of W. S. Tinning, A. E. 
Dunkel, James E. Rodgers, Thomas B. Fernandez, and W. A. Hale. 

Since it was founded in 1873 the Bank of Martinez has consistently 
grown. In 1880 the total resources amounted to $310,000; in 1890, 
$496,000; in 1897, $528,500; in 1903, $623,700; in 1910, $949,000; and 
in 1916, $1,300,000. The uniformity of its growth indicates that its 
structure is sound, with no weak spots occasioned by too rapid growth 
at any one time. Yet the older it has grown the greater has been the per- 
centage of increase, thus evincing no signs of decay, and there is no rea- 
son to doubt that when the half-century mark is reached it will have two 
million dollars in resources. 



274 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Bank of Antioch. — Under wise and able management, the Bank of 
Antioch has grown to its present proportions and importance. It is due 
to progressive policies that this bank has become what it is today in the 
commercial and financial life of Antioch. 

The Bank of Antioch was organized September 12, 1891, with the 
following board of directors: S. G. Little (president)!, J. C. Rouse, H. 
F. Beede, J. Rio Baker (vice-president), R. Harkinson (secretary). 
The capital stock was $100,000, with $70,000 paid up. The present 
board consists of C. M. Belshaw, president; J. Rio Baker, vice-presi- 
dent; R. Harkinson, secretary and cashier; Seth Davison, and H. F. 
Beede. 

At present the bank has a paid-up capital of $100,000 and a surplus 
of $25,000, owns its building, which, together with fixtures, cost about 
$7500. The total resources are now $725,000. 

The safe-deposit department and storage vaults are constructed in 
accordance with the latest and most modern ideas. There is a large and 
commodious directors room, and the advice of the officers of the bank 
is ever at the disposal of its clients. 

Contra Costa County Bank. — The growth of the Contra Costa 
County Bank, of Pittsburg, California, has been a most remarkable one. 
Under the wise and able management it has grown steadily, and is con- 
sidered one of the most substantial banking institutions in Contra Costa 
County. Guido Todaro, the present cashier, has had much to do with its 
progressive policies. The bank is devoted to all branches of modjern 
banking. 

The Contra Costa County Bank was organized in 1903 and started 
business on January i, 1914. The organizers were C. A. Hooper, An- 
drew Sbarbaro, M. Cody, D. H. Henny, Geo. W. Hooper, and D. A. 
Bender. The first officers elected were as follows : D. A. Bender, presi- 
dent; M. Cody, vice-president; Guido Todaro, cashier. Following are 
the names of present officers of the bank: W. E. Creed, president; W. 
J. Buchanan, vice-president; G, Todaro, cashier; Miss N. Canevaro, 
assistant cashier. 

The bank started with a capital stock of $50,000. It now owns its 
own building, which was erected at a cost of $8600, and is unexcelled 
for its equipment and banking facilities. The safe-deposit department 



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BANKING 275 

and storage vaults of this institution deserve special attention, as they 
are constructed in accordance with the latest ideas. 

The directors of the bank are : W. E. Creed, C. J. Wood, A. Sbar- 
baro, W. J. Buchanan, Otis Loveridge, N. Canevaro, and G. Todaro. 

Bank of Pinole. — The Bank of Pinole was organized in the town 
of Pinole on October 25, 1905, under the direction of E. M. Downer, 
with a capital stock of $25,000. A consistent and steady growth has 
been maintained until at the present time it ranks amongst the fore- 
most of the financial institutions of the county. In 1908 the Crockett 
branch of the institution was founded, and it has also enjoyed the same 
advancement as the home office. In 1910, as a result of the progress 
made, it was necessary to increase the capital stock from $25,000 to 
$50,000. 

The bank has cared for the financial needs of that section of Contra 
Costa County situated along the water-front from Pinole to Port Costa, 
which takes in a very busy manufacturing district. The bank's business 
has been conducted in a very creditable and up-to-date manner, all mod- 
ern methods and appliances being used, and it has given patrons the ser- 
vice that is now looked for by the progressive business man. 

In 191 5 the home office at Pinole was housed in a magnificent stone 
building of Gothic architecture, equipped with every modern conve- 
nience for the use of its patrons. Italian marble counters with heavy old 
brass railing, together with a rich finish in mahogany in the way of fur- 
niture, give the interior an effect seldom seen outside the large cities. 
The steel and concrete vault is fitted with a massive steel screw door, 
with modern time-locks, and inside the vault are located the coin-safes 
and safe-deposit boxes. A feature of the building is the beautiful di- 
rectors' room, which is also finished in mahogany. This is a very rest- 
ful and spacious apartment, and is at the disposal of patrons when not 
used by the directors. 

In 1916 the Crockett branch entered its new home, a stately brick 
structure of the Georgian style, and, as in the home office, every appli- 
ance and convenience known to modern banking for the purpose of 
safeguarding the valuables of the bank and its patrons have been in- 
stalled. 

Conservativeness consistent with the progress of the territory in 



276 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

which the bank is located and the times in general has been the policy 
of the board of directors, and the result has been very gratifying both 
to its patrons and management. The present officers are E. M. Downer, 
president; J. P. Connors, vice-president; S. S. MacKinlay, second vice- 
president; L. E. Hart, cashier; T. W. Hutchinson, assistant cashier. 
Directors: E. M. Downer, J. P. Connors, S. S. MacKinlay, Dr. M. L. 
Fernandez, E. D. Armstrong, J. A. Eraser, W. A. Davis, J. P. Tormey, 
and L. E. Hart, 

The present capital of the bank is $50,000, and the surplus $54,000. 

First National Bank of Contra Costa County. — This bank was 
organized and charter granted May 16, 1907, and opened for business 
July 7, 1907, with the following officers and directors : President, E. A. 
Majors ; vice-president, A. E. Blum ; cashier, M. E. Glucksman. Direc- 
tors: E. A. Majors, A. E. Blum, E. J. Randall, M. E. Glucksman, and 
W. K. Cole. 

Its capital stock was $25,000. In April, 1908, the capital stock was 
increased from $25,000 to $50,000. In June, 1909, the directors were E. 
A. Majors, A. E. Blum, E. J. Randall, F. A. Hodapp, W. L. Cole, M. E. 
Glucksman, and L. W. Brubeck. The bank building occupies a lot at the 
corner of Maine and Las Juntas streets, and was started in April and 
completed in August, 1908. 

In November, 1909, M. E. Glucksman resigned as cashier and E. J. 
Randall was elected. In January, 1910, M. E. Jones was added to the 
directors. On March 9, 1910, L. W. Brubeck resigned as director.- From 
January, 1911, to January, 1917, the directors of the First National 
Bank of Contra Costa County are as follows: E. A. Majors, A. E. 
Blum, E. J. Randall, W. K. Cole, F. A. Hodapp, M. R. Jones, L. M. La 
Selle. 

Up to the year of 1915, deposits gradually grew to $350,000, and in 
1916 increased to over $600,000. 

The safe-deposit vault is constructed of armor-plate steel and is the 
best and strongest protection yet devised by science. The bank maintains 
a separate compartment so arranged that one may meet his friends and 
transact private business or attend to personal correspondence. The of- 
ficers and directors have made this bank one of the leading banks of 
this county. 



BANKING 277 

San Ramon Valley Bank. — This is one of the leading banks of 
Contra Costa County. Since its organization, June 28, 1907, it has had a 
steady growth. It transacts a general commercial and savings banking 
business, in all respects in accordance with the laws governing com- 
mercial and savings banks in this State. The capital stock is $75,000. 
The first officers of the bank were John Hackett, president ; A. H. Cope, 
vice-president ; Arthur Burton, second vice-president ; Joseph Silveria, 
cashier and secretary. 

Temporary quarters were occupied while the new bank building was 
under construction. The bank occupies a fireproof building of steel and 
concrete, fronting the business street in Walnut Creek. The cost of the 
building was $8000, and the fixtures $4000. The interior is arranged so 
as to secure the best working conditions, being roomy and well ven- 
tilated. The fireproof vault, which is of the most modern type, is 
equipped with safe-deposit boxes. 

The present officers are N. S. Boone, president ; Arthur Burton, vice- 
president; Norman H. Bennett, cashier and secretary. The Danville 
branch of the San Ramon Valley Bank was established in May, 191 1, 
and a new bank building costing $15,000 was erected. The same officers 
and board of directors control both banks. Commercial and savings 
business are transacted in the Danville bank, and a healthy financial 
growth has been enjoyed by this branch since it started. The present 
board of directors are N. H. Bennett, Arthur Burton, N. S. Boone, A. 
P. Borges, W. S. Burpee, John F. Baldwin, Ely I. Hutchison. 

On November i, 1916, the combined deposits of both banks were 
$476,000. 

The Mechanics Bank of Richmond. — The Mechanics Bank has 
had a steady growth coincident with the growth and development of 
Richmond. This bank transacts a commercial and savings business in 
all respects in accordance with the laws governing such banks. 

The Mechanics Bank was organized August 15, 1907, with a capital 
stock of $25,000. The directors and stockholders at time of organization 
were L. I. Cowgill, Charles Nelson, Joseph Iverson, H. C. Morris, S. 
C. Denson, L. N. McDonald, and F. W. Judson. The capital stock was 
increased to $50,000 on October 5, 191 2, and on July 27, 191 6, the bank 
again increased its stock to $100,000. 



278 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

L. J. Cowgill served as president from 1907 to 1909. B. H. Griffins 
acted in this capacity from 1909 to 191 5. The other officers during 1909 
to 191 5 were Joseph Iverson, vice-president, and W. L. Ballenger, cash- 
ier. The present officers of the Mechanics Bank are as follows : Presi- 
dent, John H. Nicholl ; first vice-president, J. F. Carlston ; second vice- 
president and manager, E. M. Downer; cashier, W. L. Ballenger; as- 
sistant cashiers, Chris. Escobar and George Lee. The directors are John 
H. Nicholl, J. F. Carlston, E. M. Tilden, J. F. Brooks, H. A. Johnston, 
C. M. Brewer, and E. M. Downer. These are all men of ability, and by 
their intelligence and progressive management have made the Mechan- 
ics Bank of Richmond one of the strongest and safest business insti- 
tutions in Contra Costa County. 

The bank's resources are over $1,000,000. The safe-deposit depart- 
ment is amply equipped with the most modern features known to bank- 
ing for safety. 

First National Bank of Richmond. — The First National Bank of 
Richmond opened for business May 24, 1910, in the Florin Building, 
and in December of the same year it moved to its own building at the 
corner of Sixth Street and Macdonald Avenue. Its capital at organiza- 
tion was $100,000, and the original board of directors and officers were 
as follows: Clinton E. Worden (director First National Bank, San 
Francisco, president First National Bank, Bakersfield, vice-president 
First Federal Trust Co., San Francisco), president; E. A. Gowe (as- 
sistant cashier Standard Oil Company, secretary East Shore & Subur- 
ban Ry. Co.), vice-president; Charles J. Crary, cashier; L. D. Dimm, 
manager Standard Oil Company; V. A. Fenner, hardware merchant; 
James K. Lynch, president American Bankers Association, vice-presi- 
dent First National Bank, San Francisco, president Clearing House, 
San Francisco, president Citizens National Bank, Alameda, director 
Federal Reserve Bank, San Francisco ; J. M. Quay, vice-president Pa- 
cific Telephone & Telegraph Co., director Spring Valley Water Com- 
pany. 

On May 26th, a few days after the opening of the bank, E. A. Gowe 
died, and L. D. Dimm was elected his successor as vice-president, and 
his vacancy on the board was taken by J. C. Black, chief engineer of 
the Standard Oil Company. Since then Charles H. Robertson, at that 



BANKING 279 

time superintendent of the East Shore & Suburban Railway Company, 
F. E. Beck, manager of the Pullman Company, H. W. Pulse, of Pulse 
Bros., and C. J. Sheperd, cashier, have been added to the board of di- 
rectors. W. P. Clarke and L. G. Bonzagni served temporarily as as- 
sistant cashiers of the bank, and C. L. LeMasters and L. C. Pontious as 
cashiers. 

In 191 1 Charles J. Crary was elected vice-president and manager of 
the bank, and in 1912 C.J. Shepherd came to the bank as cashier, remain- 
ing in that position until January, 191 5, when he became affiliated with 
the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. 

In November, 191 5, T. H. DeLap, who had efficiently served the bank 
as attorney for many years, was elected a director, vice J. C. Black, 
who resigned on account of moving to Los Angeles, and in January, 
1916, Warren H. McBryde, assistant superintendent of the Hercules 
Powder Company, at Hercules, was elected a director to succeed C. J. 
Shepherd. 

During the years 1910 and 191 1 and part of 1912 Charles J. Crary 
also occupied the office of city treasurer of Richmond. 

The bank today has over 1700 active customers on its books. The mot- 
to of the First National Bank and its affiliated savings institution, the 
Richmond Savings Bank, is "Strength and Service." It has been very 
progressive from the start, keenly interested in the upbuilding of the 
city of Richmond, yet withal it is conservative in the point of proceed- 
ing safely, realizing that strength is the first requisite of a good bank. 
As the two banks have grown their service has extended, and their 
equipment in the way of necessary banking fixtures and machinery is 
of the most complete order. 

In addition to its capital of $100,000, it has built up surplus and un- 
divided profits amounting to approximately $23,000, and its deposits 
average close to $400,000. 

Richmond Savings Bank. — The Richmond Savings Bank opened 
for business July i, 191 1, with the same officers and directors as the 
First National Bank of Richmond, and almost the same stockholders. 
Their directors have continued identical. It is located with the First Na- 
tional Bank. The growth of the Richmond Savings Bank has been con- 
stant and very satisfactory, as shown by deposit totals given below. In 



28o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

1913, on account of increased deposits, the capital was increased from 
$25,000 to $50,000. Its earned surplus and undivided profits amount to 
approximately $10,000. Though the youngest bank in the city, in point 
of deposits it is the largest. Both the First National Bank and the 
Richmond Savings Bank have been constant advertisers, using the 
newspapers and many other means, not only to advertise their business, 
but in an effort to encourage thrift and savings among the people of the 
city. Clinton E. Worden, president of the First National Bank and the 
Richmond Savings Bank, has been an earnest worker in pushing the 
banks to the front, assisted by Charles J. Crary, who has been the ac- 
tive manager of both banks since their organization, and with them 
there has been an efficient corps of assistants and a strong board of 
directors, having amongst their number men interested in the largest 
enterprises in the city. 

Deposit growth is shown herewith: December 30, 1911, $73,249.11; 
December 31, 1912, $190,679.70; December 31, 1913, $313,171.94; De- 
cember 31, 1914, $407,903.12; December 31, 1915, $486,600.80. Total 
number of accounts March i, 1916, over 2400. 

The combined assets of the First National Bank and the Richmond 
Savings Bank at the last published report on March 7, 1916, were $1,- 
194,478.13. 

First National Bank of Concord. — Among the solid, conservative, 
and most thoroughly reliable moneyed institutions of Contra Costa 
County is numbered the First National Bank of Concord. The charter 
was received March 9, 191 1, and the following were the officers : F. W. 
Foskett, president; H. H. Elworthy, vice-president; W. L. Brown, 
cashier. The board of directors was composed of the following gentle- 
men: P. Roche, John Sutton, E. H. Shibley, A. C. Gehringer, C. R. 
Devereaux, J. M. Lavazzola, J. V. Enloe, and William Ford. The cap- 
ital stock was $25,000. 

In 1912 Brown resigned as cashier and L. A. Stevenson was elected 
to the position. 

The bank actually started business March 20, 191 1, and occupied 
temporary quarters for eight months while the new Foskett & Elworthy 
building was being erected. 



BANKING 281 

The present officers of the bank are F. W. Foskett, president; H. H. 
Elworthy, vice-president ; L. A. Stevenson, cashier. 

The new building cost $35,000, and the interior furnishing $3500. 
The capital stock was increased to $50,000 on January i, 1917. 

The Bank of Byron. — The Bank of Byron is one of the reliable 
and conservative banks of Contra Costa County. It was organized May 
I, 191 1, and is a branch of the Bank of Tracy. The Bank of Tracy is 
one of the older banking stitutions of San Joaquin County, and has been 
a great influence in community development. The Byron bank has the 
following officers : John C. Drodge, president ; William Schmidt, vice- 
president ; O. H. Root, secretary ; Alfred L. Bovo, manager. 

All of these men have proved their capabilities in representative 
times of endeavor and are recognized as far-sighted, keen, and dis- 
criminating business men. Under the efficient management of Alfred L. 
Bovo, the Byron Bank has enjoyed a steady and rapid growth, and this 
bank is known today as being among the leading financial institutions 
of Contra Costa County. The bank owns its own building and has one 
of the most modern safe-deposit equipments in the county. The build- 
ing was erected at a cost of $6000, and the fixtures are of the latest de- 
sign and were installed at a cost of $2500. The resident directors are 
Mott Preston and J. Saxouer, 

First National Bank of Walnut Creek. — This bank was organ- 
ized September, 1912, with a capital stock of $25,000. Officers: A. H. 
Cope, president ; James Stow, vice-president ; H. G. Flint, cashier. Di- 
rectors: A. H. Cope, James Stow, H. G. Flint, Peter Thompson, and 
R. N. Burgess. The present officers of the bank are R. N. Burgess, 
president ; C. G. Gould, vice-president ; W. L. White, second vice-presi- 
dent ; Armond Stow, cashier. The present directors are G. C. Squires, 
R. N. Burgess, C. G. Gould, W. L. White, and Armond Stow. 

The safe-deposit vaults are of the most modern type and the furniture 
and fixtures cost about $8000. 

Bank of Brentwood. — For many years Brentwood has been an im- 
portant grain center, and much inconvenience was experienced by the 
lack of facilities for exchange, but not until the Los Meganos Rancho, 
with its 13,000 acres, upon which the town of Brentwood is located, 



282 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

fell into the hands of Balfour, Guthrie & Co. was the necessity for a 
bank fully recognized. The rapid development of this magnificent prop- 
erty forced the issue, and the bank was established. 

An ornate concrete building that looks every inch a bank was con- 
structed at a cost for furniture and equipment of $15,000. The interior is 
handsomely finished and supplied with a steel-lined vault and Tisco 
manganese safe, and is in every particular up to date. 

Starting with a capital of $50,000, with $25,000 paid up, it opened its 
doors for business on July 15, 191 3, and at this date, three and a half 
years later, is handling assets of nearly $200,000. 

The officers of the bank are as follows: President, R. G. Dean; vice- 
president, Robert Wallace, Jr. ; cashier, Lee Durham. The directors are 
R. G. Dean, Alexander Burness, Robert Wallace, Jr., R. F. MacLeod, 
and Frank H. Ludinghouse. 

The First National Bank of Antioch. — On Tuesday, January 3, 
191 1, the First National Bank of Antioch and the Antioch Bank of 
Savings opened their doors to the public. The First National Bank of 
Antioch has a capital stock of $25,000, while the Antioch Bank of Sav- 
ings has an authorized capital of $50,000, with $25,000 paid up. 

The officers of both banks are the same, namely : J. L. Harding, pres- 
ident ; J. A. West, vice-president and manager ; Herbert A. West, cash- 
ier. The directors are as follows : J. L. Harding, J. A. West, E. C. Wer- 
rell, J. Arata, W. C. Williamson, J. G. Prewett, and Manuel Baeta. The 
board of directors are made up of prominent merchants, farmers, and 
capitalists. The bank has about fifty stockholders. The bank is a hand- 
some structure of the Mission style of architecture, two stories high, 
and is built of reinforced concrete. The main floor is 25 by 52 feet, and 
the second floor is fitted up for up-to-date offices. The safe-deposit 
vaults are modern in every regard. The bank has installed an electric 
burglar-alarm system, also a convenient and attractive vault with man- 
ganese steel safe (latest pattern and burglar proof). 

The institution was organized through the efforts of John A. and 
Herbert A. West. The present officers of the bank are J. A. West, presi- 
dent ; J. G. Prewett, vice-president ; H. A. West, cashier. 



CHAPTER XXIII 
TRANSPORTATION 

THE FIRST CARQUINEZ STRAITS FERRY 

For many years the only ferry on the waters flowing from the Sacra- 
mento River out through the Golden Gate was maintained at Martinez. 
This was the point at which all travelers crossed the Straits of Car- 
quinez when journeying north or south, and it was here, about 1849, 
that the first ferry was established. In that year Doctor Semple, of 
Benicia, established a ferry running from Benicia to a point near the 
spot now occupied by Alhambra Cemetery. This boat was at first pro- 
pelled by oars, but later a wheel was put on the boat and it was run by 
horse-power. This was continued until 1851, when Captain Oliver C. 
Coffin purchased the flat-bottomed ferry-boat "lone," which commenced 
carrying passengers across the San Joaquin River between Antioch and 
Collinsville about the year 1850. Captain Coffin brought the boat to 
Martinez and remodeled it to suit his needs here. At Antioch the craft 
had been propelled across the river by horse-power, but that primitive 
mode of ferrying would not do at Martinez, so an engine was put into 
the "lone," and the craft was propelled by steam. 

The "lone" pUed regularly between Martinez and Benicia until July, 
1854, carrying passengers and freight. The boat landing was at the foot 
of Ferry Street. There was no wharf or ferry slip at that time, but the 
boat ran close to the bank and an apron was used to connect it with the 
shore. 

After being relieved from ferry duty in 1854, the "lone" was used for 
a time as a float for a pile-driver, but for many years the hull has been 
rotting in the tules near the Ferry Street wharf, where it was grounded 
and abandoned when its days of usefulness were past. 

Before the "lone" was taken from the route, a short wharf was built, 
as the straits commenced to fill with earth washed down from the coun- 
try above, and it was found impossible to effect a landing. The filling 
continued, and it became necessary to extend the wharf from time to 



284 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

time until it reached two thousand feet beyond the point where the 
steamer landed when her first trips were made. 

In 1853 a steam ferry-boat was framed in New York and brought 
around Cape Horn to Martinez, where it arrived in the spring of 1854. 
The craft was put together here, and was launched in April, 1854, but 
did not commence to run regularly until July of that year. It was called 
the "Carquinez," and was the property of Captain Oliver C, Charles G., 
and Henry Coffin. Seth M. Swain was also at one time captain of this 
boat. 

Great numbers of cattle, sheep, and hogs were conveyed across the 
straits in the early days, it being not an uncommon thing for a thousand 
head of stock to be carried over in one day. Many of the animals were 
wild and unruly, and momentary excitement was sometimes caused on 
the trip by a frightened steer leaping over the rail into the water. 

A large corral was built on the ground now occupied by the Southern 
Pacific Company, and into this inclosure the stock were driven while 
awaiting transportation. This corral was not a flimsy affair by any 
means, but was composed of a double tier of cordwood four feet long 
and piled about six feet high. This wood was used for making steam on 
the ferry, but enough was always kept on hand to form a substantial 
corral. 

The business of ferrying was very profitable, as stock was constantly 
on the move between the north and the south, it being the custom to 
drive the animals back and forth to obtain the benefit of the best pas- 
turage. A charge was made of one dollar a head to ferry cattle across 
the straits during the time the "lone" and the ''Carquinez" were on the 
route. The ferry-boat also carried the mails, and, in addition to the 
other passenger traffic, many Martinez children attending school at 
Benicia were daily passengers. People going to and from San Francisco 
were also frequent patrons of the ferry, as it was necessary for the res- 
idents of the country south of the straits to go to Benicia to take the 
steamer that plied between Sacramento and the city by the Golden Gate. 

The ''Carquinez" was finally condemned as unsafe, and a new boat, 
called the "Benicia," was constructed under the direction of Charles 
Henry, of Danville. The engine used on the "Carquinez" was trans- 
ferred to the "Benicia," and the old craft was broken up about the year 
1877. It was some time after the railroad was built that the ferry be- 



TRANSPORTATION 285 

tween Martinez and Benicia was discontinued, owing to the competition 
of the railroad company's mammoth ferry-boat ''Solano," which com- 
menced to ply between Benicia and Port Costa. The subsequent history 
of the "Benicia" is not known, but for some time she was engaged in 
traffic in the vicinity of Coronado. 

RIVER COMMUNICATION^ 

The Sacramento River is navigable from the bay northward to Sacra- 
mento, 120 miles, for large, commodious steamers, as fine as any upon 
the rivers in the Eastern States. They ply daily to Sacramento, stopping 
at Martinez, New York, and Antioch ; smaller light-craft steamers ply 
regularly to Red Bluff, 250 miles farther, and on the Feather River, 
sixty miles, to Marysville. The San Joaquin River is also navigable for 
large steamers, which ply daily to Stockton, 120 miles. Above Stockton, 
light-draft vessels ascend toward VisaHa, 200 miles, and also for some 
distance up its branches, the Stanislaus and Tuolumne rivers, and also 
the Mokelumne River. The light-draft steamers on all these rivers carry 
with them large barges, in which the crops of the farmers, firewood, and 
other products are cheaply and rapidly transported to a market at San 
Francisco at very low rates. A number of the creeks and sloughs empty- 
ing into the Bay of Suisun are also navigable, and are ascended by nu- 
merous steamers and sailing craft, which carry freight and passengers 
at reasonable prices. Thus a large portion of the county is to a great ex- 
tent independent of the railroad, while the competition between land 
and water carriage insures low rates of freights and fares on both. 

The San Joaquin River is divided into three branches, known, respec- 
tively, as the west, middle, and east channels — the last-named being not 
only the main stream, but the one used by the steamboats and saiHng 
vessels bound to and from Stockton — or, at least within four miles of 
that city, from which point the Stockton Slough is used. The east (or 
main) channel is navigable for small stern- wheel steamboats as far as 
Fresno City. 

The first mail ever carried up the Sacramento River was on July 24, 
1849, by Captain Seth M. Swain, of Martinez, in the schooner "John 
Dunlap." The mail matter was all contained in one bag, and the captain 
received six hundred dollars for the service, while the entire postage on 
the contents of the mail was less than sixty dollars. 

1 Written in 1878. 



286 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

SUISUN BAY 

This is one of the chief bays that border the Contra Costa coast. Many 
of the gold-seekers here found a watery grave, or foundered upon the 
middle grounds of the bay. In the fall of 1850 a schooner struck on the 
lower end of the middle ground. The wind and waves soon broke her 
up, and the flour with which she was laden was cast upon the bay. Those 
coming up the bay could pick up a barrel or two for use, and one boat 
was engaged a long time in salvaging the flour, which was sold to the 
baker at New York of the Pacific for five dollars a barrel. Supposing 
the flour to be worthless, some refused to give any price. However, it 
was but little damaged ; even after a week's soaking in the waters of the 
bay — wetting the barrel and flour half an inch deep, making the whole 
mass impervious to water. 

Another schooner struck on a less dangerous ground three miles 
from New York Landing. As she was strong and staunchly built, she 
sat upon the sand of the middle ground, and the sailors could walk 
around her at low tide. The captain and crew found a near cut to the 
channel, and, by the use of miners' spades and with the help of the pas- 
sengers, they dug a way for the schooner to the nearest point of the 
channel. The wind and tide serving right, a kedge anchor was put out, 
and the schooner and cargo were saved. They all went up the bay re- 
joicing at their good luck and their escape from the dangers of Suisun 
Bay. 

Before a perfect chart of the bay was made, a number of boats, filled 
with the hurrying crowds compelled to navigate these waters on their 
trips to Stockton and Sacramento, were stove in and swamped upon the 
middle sand-bars. On one occasion, when a boat was foundered, the 
passengers, after swimming to the south shore across the channel, were 
compelled to swim a slough a hundred feet wide before they could reach 
New York Landing. Whale-boats have tied up at this place for a week 
at a time, awaiting favorable winds before venturing on Suisun Bay. 

In 1850 the ship ''Henry Lee" was cast ashore near the landing, and 
lay there for about a year before she was finally floated and sent to sea 
again. 

From a mile below Antioch to Marsh's Landing, three miles above 
the town, there are neither rocks nor shoals, making a clear channel, 



TRANSPORTATION 287 

with an average depth of forty feet, where four or five vessels may 
swing at anchor side by side. 

SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY 

In 1877, after a number of surveys had been made, it was decided by 
the owners of the Central Pacific line to build through Contra Costa 
County, on account of its natural advantages and scenic beauty, thus 
filling in the last link of one of the most central routes across the coun- 
try, and the road was completed in 1878. 

After the completion of the line, and settlers began to arrive, there 
was a steady growth of population throughout the entire county. The 
stage-coaches that had been running to the various points in the county 
disappeared one by one, and the old sailboats, such as were operated in 
the early days by one of Richmond's first settlers, John R. Nystrom, 
were found to be too slow to take care of the freight traffic. The older 
villages likewise soon became scenes of activity, having a steady growth, 
so that we now have a number of cities and towns, and rank in the State 
as the leading county in manufacturing. The principal industries are lo- 
cated at Antioch, Pittsburg, Nichols, Bay Point, Avon, Peyton, Mococo, 
Martinez, Port Costa, Crockett, Selby, Oleum, Rodeo, Hercules, Giant, 
Richmond and Stege. Of these the two principal cities leading in manu- 
facturing are Richmond and Pittsburg. Other cities and towns in the 
county located along this portion of the line, and which owe their origin 
or upbuilding to the Southern Pacific Company, are Byron, Brentwood, 
Neroly, Newlove, Prince, Los Medanos, McAvoy, Amorce, Nevada 
Dock, Martinez, Eckley, Vallejo Junction, Tormey, Pinole, Krieger, So- 
brante, and San Pablo. 

Byron, shortly after the line was completed, became greatly noted for 
its mineral springs, these being rated as among the best of their kind in 
the United States, and since the advent of the railroad have been visited 
by thousands of people from all parts of the world, not only by those 
who are in search of health, but by all who desire to benefit from their 
invigorating and healthful properties. 

Antioch is the emporium of an agricultural section that produces 
more food supplies than any other part of the county. It sends out an- 
nually a large tonnage of hay, grain, celery, asparagus, onions, potatoes, 
grapes, peaches, apricots, almonds, wine, lumber, and live-stock. The 



288 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

largest paper-mill in the State is located at Antioch, and the city also 
boasts of one of the largest asparagus plants. 

Pittsburg, formerly known as Cornwall and Black Diamond, has a 
population of over five thousand people. It is situated not only on the 
Southern Pacific line, but also on deep water where California's two 
greatest rivers, the San Joaquin and the Sacramento, join to form Sui- 
sun Bay. These rivers furnish an unlimited supply of good water for 
boiler and manufacturing purposes, and factories having their own wa- 
ter-frontage can install pumping plants, giving an independent supply. 
A great many industries have located in this city on account of its ex- 
cellent railroad and water facilities. Among the enterprises shipping 
millions of pounds of freight from Pittsburg annually are the Columbia 
Steel Company, Redwood Manufacturing Company, Diamond Brick 
Company, Bowers Rubber Works, Johnson & Lanteri Shipyards, Ameri- 
can Fish & Oyster Company, Lindenburger & Company, California 
Fruit Canners Association, and the Sacramento River Packers Associ- 
ation. 

Bay Point is the location of some large industries, among which is the 
C. A. Smith Lumber Company, famous for its great wholesale plant, 
shipping during the year thousands of carloads of its products to vari- 
ous parts of the country. 

Nichols, Peyton and Mococo have their chemical plants. 

Port Costa is noted for its large grain elevators, located near water as 
well as rail, and handles during the summer seasons immense quantities 
of cereals. 

Selby's great smelters, controlled by the Selby Smelting & Lead Com- 
pany, make heavy shipments of gold, silver, and lead by freight and 
express. 

Oleum is the location of the Union Oil Company's great refinery. 

Hercules and Giant have the extensive manufacturing plants of the 
Hercules Powder Company and the Giant Powder Company. 

At Stege is located the California Cap Works. 

Richmond is the largest city in the county, and has had the most rapid 
growth. About 1900 it had a small station at Barrett Avenue, but later 
a depot was erected by the Southern Pacific Company at Macdonald 
Avenue. In 1905 at this depot there was handled 107,332 tons of freight; 
in 1910, 535,492 tons; in 1914, 738,304 tons. The largest refinery west 



TRANSPORTATION 289 

of Whiting, Indiana, being located here, and owned by the Standard 
Oil Company, has had much to do with the growth of the town. Other 
large plants, such as the California Wine Association, Western Pipe & 
Steel Company, The Pullman Company, Pacific Sanitary Manufactur- 
ing Company, Richmond Feed & Grain Company, Schreck Furniture 
Company, Pacific Porcelain Ware Company, Berkeley Steel Company, 
and others, doing a large business, have added much to the growth and 
prosperity of this growing center. 

The people of the San Ramon Valley, seeing the prosperous condition 
of the cities along the main line, and the advantages to be gained by 
having rail transportation, petitioned the Southern Pacific Company to 
build a road through that valley, and the San Ramon branch was built 
in the year 1890, opening up one of the most fertile fruit and agricultur- 
al valleys in the State. Yearly numerous carload shipments of green and 
dried fruits, nuts, and agricultural products are moving from Walnut 
Creek, Danville, Concord, and the smaller towns located on this branch, 
such as San Ramon, Osage, Alamo, Widboro, Oxlay, Las Junitas, Hook- 
ston, Nacio, and Galindo. 

The passenger service of the Southern Pacific Company in Contra 
Costa County is unexcelled, both as to the number of trains and equip- 
ment, there being forty- four trains daily between Richmond and Port 
Costa, fifteen between Port Costa and Byron, and four trains daily on 
the San Ramon branch. Commutation tickets for individuals or families 
with various limits enable the citizens to travel cheaply to various parts 
of the county. Since its inception, the line has been double-tracked be- 
tween most of the principal points and has four main-line tracks lead- 
ing into Richmond. It is equipped with block signals, and no expense is 
spared by the management in making it the safe line to travel on. The 
Southern Pacific has the "Safety Medal" awarded by the American Mu- 
seum of Safety, so that Contra Costa County can boast of having not 
only the best but the safest of railroad facihties. 

THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA & SANTA FE 

In the early part of 1895 the general feeling that central California and 
San Francisco needed the competition of another transcontinental rail- 
way crystallized in the subscription, mainly from San Francisco resi- 
dents and merchants, of approximately two and a half millions of dol- 



290 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

lars, to be applied to the construction of a railway from San Francisco 
through Stockton to Bakersfield. As a result of this subscription, on 
February 25, 1895, the articles of incorporation of the San Francisco 
& San Joaquin Valley Railroad Company were filed, the first directors 
being as follows : Claus Spreckels, John D. Spreckels, W. F. Whittier, 
J. B. Stetson, Robert Watt, A. H. Payson, Charles Holbrook, Lewis 
Gerstle, Alvinza Hayward, Isaac Upham, Thomas Magee. 

In order to insure against the possibility of the new company's being 
absorbed by its predecessor, the voting power of all of its stock was 
placed in the hands of a board of trustees composed as follows : Thomas 
Brown, Daniel Meyer, Lovell White, James Cross, A. B. Spreckels, 
James D. Phelan, O. D. Baldwin, F. W. Van Sicklen, Christian de 
Guigne. 

In February, 1896, the trustees and the directors joined in executing 
a mortgage on the entire property as security for an issue of six mil- 
lion dollars in bonds, the proceeds of which were to be used in the com- 
pletion and equipment of the line. 

It was decided at the outset to begin construction at Stockton, build- 
ing south to Bakersfield, the reason being that a water connection could 
be had with Stockton, and in this way the new property might be made 
to earn an income from the start and before undertaking the compara- 
tively costly work between Stockton and San Francisco. 

The survey for the new road began at Stockton on April 18, 1895, 
and actual construction on July 22 of the same year. The track reached 
Merced on Thanksgiving day, 1895, and Fresno on October 5, 1896, 
from which town a regular passenger and freight service was inaugu- 
rated with Stockton, with a San Francisco connection maintained by 
traffic arrangement with the boats between Stockton and that point. 

During the year 1899, as a result of negotiations to that end, which 
had been conducted during the preceding year, and after a full discus- 
sion between the public, the trustees, and the stockholders, the property 
was sold to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company, the 
price paid being the assumption of the outstanding bonded indebtedness 
and par for the stock. By this arrangement the stockholders lost the in- 
terest on their money during the period of construction, but believed 
themselves fully justified in this by the advantage which would result — 
and which was their main object in inaugurating the enterprise — in the 



TRANSPORTATION 291 

competitive service of another transcontinental road for San Francisco 
and central California. 

During 1899 and 1900 the line between Stockton and San Francisco, 
with the Point Richmond terminal, was completed. This work practical- 
ly exhausted the funds derived from the stock subscription and bonded 
issue, and the Point Richmond and San Francisco terminals and the 
boats, barges, and tugs used for freight and passenger connection be- 
tween Point Richmond and San Francisco were provided for by funds 
advanced by the Santa Fe Company. 

Shortly after the acquisition of the property by the Santa Fe Com- 
pany, it secured through negotiations with the Southern Pacific Com- 
pany what amounts to half -ownership in the latter's line between Bak- 
ersfield and Mohave, where a junction was had with the existing Santa 
Fe lines, thus completing a transcontinental railway from San Francisco 
to Chicago under one ownership. 

The Santa Fe shops were located at Richmond in 1900, during which 
time trains, engines, and cars were taken care of in the open on tem- 
porary tracks. The machine-shops were completed sufficiently to move 
the headquarters from Stockton to Richmond January 26, 1901, on 
which date the headquarters were abandoned at Stockton and estab- 
lished at Richmond. The choice of Richmond for headquarter machine- 
shops was principally on account of climatic conditions, making it bet- 
ter for shop artizans, particularly during the summer months, getting 
away from the heat of the San Joaquin Valley. 

The investment at Richmond consists approximately of the following 
items: Right of way, $473,737.26; grading, $14,375.36; tracks, $79,090- 
.48 ; buildings, shop machinery and tools, water and oil facilities, $423,- 
568.53. Total, $990,771.63. 

There are employed at present in all departments, including engine 
and train employees, about seven hundred men. About three hundred 
locomotives, twenty-five thousand freight cars, and sixteen thousand 
passenger cars are repaired yearly. The pay-roll amounts to approxi- 
mately $45,000 a month. 

THE OAKLAND, ANTIOCH & EASTERN RAILWAY 

A twelve-hundred-volt electric line between San Francisco, Oakland, 
Danville, Pittsburg, and Sacramento, while young in history, is furnish- 



292 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



ing the patrons along its way with every necessary railway service 
known to the present day. 

The road-bed, of first importance, is rock-ballasted from the com- 
pany's own rock quarry and crusher at Valle Vista. Many of the pas- 
senger-coaches are of steel, and all of the new equipment to be pur- 
chased in the future will be of steel construction. The coaches have 
roomy and comfortable seats. Parlor observation-cars are run on three 
of the fast express trains each way, "The Comet," "The Meteor," and 
"The Sacramento Valley Limited." The observation-cars on the two lat- 
ter trains run through to Chico via the Northern Electric Railway, and 
make the round trip daily. The entire line is protected by automatic 
block signals and traverses a section of country noted for its scenery 
and beautiful fertile valleys. 

Passengers leave San Francisco via the Key Route ferry. Market 
Street, crossing the bay to the Key Route mole, Oakland, where the 
Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Railway train is boarded. The train passes 
through the heart of the city of Oakland over Fortieth Street to the 
Oakland depot at Fortieth Street and Shaf ter Avenue, then along Shaf- 
ter Avenue to the Berkeley Hills, where the train climbs along the sides 
of these picturesque ridges. Near the top, at Cape Horn, a rift in the 
mountainous hills shows a grand panoramic view of Oakland, Alameda, 
and the waters beyond. After this parting view of the city of Oakland, 
the train passes through steep wooded hills of green foliage until the 
highest point is reached, where the train enters a tunnel, the eastern end 
of which opens into Redwood Cafion, a natural picnic park about three 
miles long. Here may be seen almost every kind of California tree and 
wild plant from the redwoods, standing straight and tall, to the numer- 
ous varieties of ferns and wild roses which grow in rank profusion 
everywhere. 

Emerging from Redwood Canon you see the Moraga Valley spread 
out like a map below. Presently the train is on the floor of this fertile 
and beautiful valley at Moraga Station, the center of a settlement of 
commuters. 

After leaving Moraga, Country Club, Burton, and Lafayette in their 
turn, the train enters the San Ramon Valley at Saranap, where a branch 
line extends to the prettily situated towns of Alamo, Danville, and Di- 
ablo Station at the foot of Mount Diablo, where an auto stage can be 



TRANSPORTATION 293 

taken to the summit, from which point a wonderful view is had of the 
surrounding country. By reason of the continuous clear weather around 
Mount Diablo, one is almost always assured of a good clear view. 

Walnut Creek, the center of commercial activity of San Ramon Val- 
ley, is surrounded by orchards and gardens. Large oaks, characteristic 
of this section, mark the unusual depth and fertility of the soil. Farther 
on is Meinert Station, on the edge of Pacheco Valley. The center of the 
business activity of this valley is Concord, situated at the foot of Mount 
Diablo, at the junction of Pacheco, San Ramon, and Ygnacio valleys. It 
is a pretty little town of historical interest in connection with early Cal- 
ifornia. It has paved streets, sewer and water systems, as well as gas 
and electric light. 

Next comes Bay Point, on the shores of Suisun Bay. The train then 
follows along the bay, passing West Pittsburg, where a branch line con- 
nects the thriving industrial city of Pittsburg with the main line, until 
Mallard Island is reached. Here the Suisun Bay is only 2200 feet wide, 
and the entire train is ferried across on the steel boat ''Ramon," pro- 
pelled by gasoline engines of unusual power. The "Ramon" is fitted 
with comforts and conveniences for passengers who wish to get off the 
train and stretch themselves while crossing the bay. A lunch-room is 
maintained on the lower deck. 

After leaving Chipps Island, on the opposite shore, the train present- 
ly crosses Montezuma Slough at Dutton Station, then, passing Molena 
Station, at the foot of the Montezuma Hills, traverses an extensive ter- 
ritory of large ranches. 

After leaving Dixon Junction, where a branch line runs to Dixon, an 
important towm of Solano County, the train proceeds through Maine 
Prairie, Bunker, Millar, and Saxon, and then crosses the Yolo Basin to 
Glide Landing. On the bank of the Sacramento River, following this 
river through the fertile and productive lands of West Sacramento and 
crossing over the M-Street bridge enters Sacramento at Front and M 
streets. Passengers may alight from the train at Third and K streets or 
the terminal depot at Third and I streets. 

The beginning of the railroad grew out of the minds of a few enter- 
prising men of Contra Costa County and vicinity. The principal found- 
ers were A. W. Maltby, of Concord ; Walter Arnstein, of Alamo, now 
president ; Samuel L. Napthaly, of San Francisco, now vice-president ; 



294 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



and Harry A. Mitchell, of San Francisco, now secretary and general 
manager. The gentlemen were familiar with all the fertile valleys of 
Moraga, San Ramon, Ygnacio, and Pacheco, but deplored the round- 
about routes that connected these valleys with the bay cities. Hiring ex- 
pert engineers to make a report of the feasibility of a direct line be- 
tween San Francisco and the above-mentioned valleys, the present route 
of the railroad was decided upon after checking up the report of the 
engineers. As soon as this decision was made the Oakland & Antioch 
Railway was organized and incorporated in January, 1909. Building 
was started February 1909, at Bay Point, and the line was put into op- 
eration between Bay Point and Walnut Creek in May, 191 1. Still build- 
ing toward Oakland, and extending the service as the track was built, 
the Oakland & Antioch Railway was completed and service installed 
between Bay Point and Oakland in April, 191 3. 

On April i, 191 1, the Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Railway was in- 
corporated to build a line from Bay Point to Sacramento, with a branch 
line about two miles long from West Pittsburg to Pittsburg. Building 
commenced in July, 191 2, and the line from Bay Point to Pittsburg was 
completed and put into operation in August, 191 3. In the meantime, the 
Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Railway leased the Oakland & Antioch 
Railway and also the San Ramon Valley Railroad, running from Saranap 
on the main line to Danville. Finally, in September, 1913, the Oakland, 
Antioch & Eastern Railway was completed to Sacramento and put into 
service the same month. 

Since then the railway has been broadening out in its field of service 
to its patrons. Trains at convenient hours were put on between San 
Francisco and Concord for the commuters who live in the pretty towns 
in Contra Costa County and work in Oakland and San Francisco. Low 
commutation rates and excursion fares were arranged for. Freight ser- 
vice was looked after closely to develop it to the needs of the communi- 
ties along the line. This led to putting on a fast fruit and vegetable train 
during the season to make delivery at Oakland at 4 o'clock in the morn- 
ing. Through freight connections were secured with the Southern Pa- 
cific, Western Pacific, and Santa Fe railroads, which resulted in redu- 
cing the freight rate to eastern points. This encouraged fruit shippers to 
erect packing-houses adjacent to the large acreages of heavily produ- 
cing orchards. At the present time a rice experiment farm at Millar Sta- 



TRANSPORTATION 295 

tion is the result of the efforts of this company to get the farmers inter- 
ested in more profitable crops. 

The distance from San Francisco to Sacramento is 92.9 miles, with 
branch lines as follows : Saranap to Diablo, nine miles ; Meinert to Wal- 
wood, three miles ; West Pittsburg to Pittsburg, two miles. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 

MASONIC 

Martinez Lodge No. 41, F. &A. M., was granted dispensation for a 
lodge July 26, 1852. It was continued upon application on August 3, 

1853, and a charter ordered to be issued on May 3, 1854. Its first returns 
appear in the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of California in May, 

1854, with the following officers and members: Officers — Robert N.^ 
Wood, W. M. ; J. Mitchell, S. W. ; H. Mills, J. W. ; D. Small, treasurer; 
J. S. Days, secretary; J. Tucker, S. D. ; E. T. Weld, J. D. ; S. Russell, 
tyler. Master Masons — S. G. Briggs, A. Hooper, J. T. Trippin, J. S. 
Walls. No. 41 has been honored by having two of its members elected 
to office in the Grand Lodge. In 1854 Robert N. Wood^was elected and 
installed Junior Grand Warden, and William S. Wells was elected and 
installed Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California. The oldest 
member on the roll is Barry Baldwin Osborn, raised July 21, 1866. Mar- 
tinez Lodge owns its hall, built in 1859 by subscription from its mem- 
bers. The hall was remodeled and refurnished in 1908. In the early '60s 
the lower hall was used as a school-room. There are ten Past Masters 
on the roll of members : Ed. McLeod, William S. Wells, Henry V. Al- 
varado, Reuben L. Ulsh, Alvin B. Wilson, WilHam A. Hale, Otto K. 
Smith, Brooke L. Moore, Ernest H. Shibley, Fred J. Stewart. The 
present officers are William R. Sharkey, W. M. ; Thomas B. Swift, S. 
W. ; Conrad O. Nelson, J. W. ; William A. Hale, treasurer ; Orville E. 
Hay ward, secretary (13th year) ; Evan Glandon Davies, chaplain; Rex 
L. Boyer, S. D. ; Absalom F. Bray, J. D. ; Fred J. Stewart, marshal; 
Ernest O. Talbott and Earl B. Fitzpatrick, stewards ; George H. Lyford, 
tyler. Number of members on the roll, 88. Carquinez Lodge No. 337 
and Mount Diablo Lodge No. 448 were organized by members from 
Martinez Lodge. 

Alamo Lodge No. 122, F. & A. M., was granted a charter by the 
Grand Lodge at the city of Sacramento on the 13th of May A. L. 5858 




^:ufi§) ciM^^^ 



FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 297 

(1858), to assemble and work as a regular lodge of Free and Accepted 
Masons at the town of Alamo, Contra Costa County, California. On the 
4th of January, A. L. 5873, permission was granted by the Grand Lodge 
to remove its place of meeting from Alamo to the town of Walnut 
Creek, in the same county, which is the place of meeting at the present 
time. On the 13th of May, A. L. 5908, Alamo Lodge celebrated its fif- 
tieth anniversary. The brethren and their invited brethren of different 
lodges of the county gathered at a fine banquet and speeches were made 
by Past Grand Master W. S. Wells, District Inspector Louis N. Butt- 
ner, Brother Fred V. Wood, and others present. While Alamo Lodge 
has past a half -century mark, it has made a steady and regular growth, 
although its membership at present is not remarkably large. It has ex- 
perienced a condition of harmony within its jurisdiction as well as with 
its sister jurisdictions, and also stands high as a good worker. With the 
able assistance of Almona Chapter No. 214, O. E. S., the Masonic Hall 
Association has been organized, stock has been sold, and plans are now 
under way to build a temple costing in the neighborhood of $6000 or 
$7CMD0. This temple will not only be an honor to our fraternity but to 
the public as well. 

Antioch Lodge No. 175, F. & A. M., was granted dispensation June 
15, 1865, and was constituted October 12th of the same year. Officers: 
Francis Williams, W. M. ; Emory T. Mills, S. W. ; John C. O'Brien, J. 
W. ; John E. Wright, treasurer ; James J. McNulty, secretary. Charter 
members: Francis Williams, Seth W. Bradford, John C. O'Brien, James 
J. McNulty, Thomas Cryan, John P. Walton, Stephen Jessup, Daniel 
H. Cleaves, Jackson W. Ong, Norman Adams, Richard Charnock, John 
E. Wright, Mark Kline, Emory T. Mills, Raswell B. Hard. 

On the evening of December 20, 1898, the following brethren resid- 
ing in or near the town of Crockett, Contra Costa County, met and pre- 
pared a petition for a dispensation to form a lodge under the name of 
Carquinez Lodge : Edmund Freund, John Sinnot Rowan, Theodore 
Despard Moiles, Edward Curran, Alvin Augustine Paul, Daniel Mc- 
Taggart, William Simpson Garwood, Herbert George Powers, Arthur 
Wellesley Beam. The following brethren also signed the petition : Philip 
Richard Moignard, Paul Beda, Erastus Perkins Lasell, Thomas Allen 
Harris, Charles Louis Hedemark, Henry Louis Webber, Homer A. Bil- 
lings. The dispensation was granted April 26, 1899, by Grand Master 



298 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Frank Marion Angellotti, and the first meeting was held April 29, 1899, 
with the following officers : H. G. Powers, W. M. ; J. S. Rowan, S. W. ; 
E. Freund, J. W. ; T. D. Moiles, treasurer ; P. R. Moignard, secretary ; 
W .S. Garwood, S. D. ; A. W. Beam, J. D. ; A. A. Paul, marshal ; C. L. 
Hedemark and E. P. Lasell, stewards; T. A. Harris, tyler. A charter 
was granted on October 12, 1899, and Carquinez Lodge No. 337 was 
constituted October 28, 1899, by Grand Master Charles L. Patton, the 
following officers being installed by him: H. G. Powers, W. M.; E. 
Freund, S. W. ; A. W. Beam, J. W. ; C. L. Hedemark, treasurer; P. R. 
Moignard, secretary ; W. S. Garwood, S. D. ; A. A. Paul, J. D. ; Homer 
A. Billings, marshal; G. M. Hodgkins and S. T. Johnson, stewards; 
James Thompson, tyler. H. G. Powers, the first master, was appointed 
secretary of the lodge February 2, 1901, and was continued in that of- 
fice until his death, which occurred January 4, 191 5. A notable occasion 
in the history of Carquinez Lodge was the past masters' night, June 20, 
1914, when every past master of the lodge was present and occupied the 
stations and places in the order of their seniority and conferred the 
third degree of Masonry upon Brother James RoUett. The following 
past masters were present and took part in the conferring of the degree : 
H. G. Powers, 1900; Ed. Freund, 1901 ; W. S. Garwood, 1902; A. W. 
Beam, 1903-1905; Geo. Jones, 1906; J. L. Gabbs, 1907; A. A. Paul 
1908; J. H. Dorman, 1909; J. E. Hughes, 1910-1914; W. M. Laidlaw, 
1911 ; C. P. Thomas, 1912; T. M. Bolton, 1913. The following is an ex- 
cerpt from the minutes of this meeting : "The occasion was a memorable 
one, as every one of the past masters of the lodge was present, also ev- 
ery officer. It is doubtful if at the expiration of another fifteen years 
the secretary at that time will be able to make a Hke statement." This 
remark of Brother Powers seems almost prophetic, as it was only a few 
short months until he himself passed to the Great Beyond, making it 
impossible ever again to hold such a reunnion. The following are the of- 
ficers for the current year (1917) : Peter Miller, Jr., W. M.; Francis 
Paschal Doughty, S. W. ; Joseph Junior Burdon, J. W. ; George Jones, 
treasurer ; Jacob Erratt Hughes, secretary ; George Herbert Whiteman, 
chaplain; Roy Austin Nelson, S. D. ; WilHam Marten Adams, J. D. ; 
Chandlar Holten Smith, marshal ; Yargen Nelson and Clair B. Payson, 
stewards ; James King, tyler. 

Brentwood Lodge No. 345, F. & A. M., was organized in February, 



FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 299 

1902, and received its charter from the Grand Lodge on October 15, 
1902. There were thirteen charter members, and the lodge now has a 
membership of eighty-six. The present officers for the Masonic year are 
P. F. Bucholtz, W. M. ; J. F. Bruns, S. W. ; Alexander Burness, J. W. ; 
H. Bruns, treasurer ; Bruce Grove, secretary ; O. C. Prewett, marshal ; 
Robert Wallace, Jr., chaplain; R. H. Wallace, S. D. ; H. Logan, J. D. ; 
Alan Monroe and Thomas Steward, stewards; J. Kindergen, tyler. A 
new hall will be built in the near future. 

Hardly had the little village which was in so short a time to develop 
into the city of Richmond gotten under way when the dozen or so Ma- 
sons among the first settlers began to have meetings and to talk of or- 
ganizing a lodge. There were many discouraging features. There were 
no streets — only cow-trails, which became impassable in the rainy weath- 
er. Those living at a distance had to travel by horse and buggy. It was 
hard to secure a building that would pass the requirements of a meeting- 
place. But what was lacking in other things was made up in enthusiasm, 
and the first meeting of McKinley Lodge No. 347, was held on August 
18, 1902, at what was then known as Richard's Hall. Brother Harry 
Ells was selected to be master of the new lodge, and much credit for the 
success of the organization is due to his untiring efforts, which have not 
in the slightest degree lessened to the present time. The brethren of Dur- 
ant Lodge No. 268, of Berkeley, gave much assistance in instructing 
the officers, and finally recommended the newly organized body to the 
Grand Lodge. The petition to the Grand Lodge was signed by sixteen 
master masons, and they were granted a dispensation by Grand Master 
William S. Wells on April 5, 1902, and on November 8, 1902, the lodge 
was constituted by the Grand Lodge under Grand Master Orrin Staples 
Henderson, who has always manifested an interest in the lodge, as evi- 
denced by occasional visits. The growth of the lodge has been healthy 
and steady. In 1912 the population of Richmond had increased so rap- 
idly that it was felt that there was room for a second lodge, and, upon 
recommendation of the lodge, the grand master constituted Alpha 
Lodge No. 431, which, like its parent, is enjoying a healthy growth, and 
the two lodges are now carrying on the work of Masonry side by side 
in peace and harmony. The following is a Hst of those who have served 
the lodge as master: Harry L. Ells, 1902-1904; Doctor H. M. Barney, 
1905 ; Doctor J. McMorrison, 1906; Palen Church, 1907; W. H. Johns- 



300 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



ton, 1908; A. H. Campbell, 1909; Frank M. Palmer, 1910; J. H. Runi- 
rell, 191 1 ; W. B. Richmond, 1912; W. E. Rose, 1913; C. J. Peterson, 
1914; E. L. Jones, 1915. The officers of the lodge for the current year 
(1917)1 are: H. E. Jacobs, W. M. ; M. H. Carey, S. W. ; C. H. Foote, J. 
W. ; W. S. McRacken, treasurer; W. T. Helms, secretary; R. C. Fern- 
old, S. D. ; F. G. Blackhart, J. D. ; T. H. Summers and W. M. Parks, 
stewards ; F. L. Jones, chaplain ; C. J. Peterson, marshal ; R. L. Adams, 
tyler. The membership roll is now nearing the two hundred mark. 
Pinole Lodge No. 353 held its preliminary meeting November 11, 

1902, at which John Bermingham was elected chairman, and the char- 
ter was granted by Grand Master Orin S. Henderson on February 17, 

1903, when J. C. F. Hall was elected master, A. Greenfield, senior 
warden. The lodge was organized with eighteen members, since which 
time it has added ninety-eight, and has lost five by death and twenty- 
three by dimit and other causes, having at present eighty-eight members. 
Our finances are in good shape, the lodge is prosperous, and there will 
be added many good members during the next few months. A. Green- 
field is filling the station of master for the second term, he having been 
the second master. S. V. Sharp, a young man and an active and zeal- 
ous member, is senior warden, and A. D. Hinton, a hard-working and 
energetic brother, is junior warden. The last two are residents of Rodeo, 
whence the lodge has obtained some of its best members. 

For many years the Masons of Pittsburg, California, plied back and 
forth faithfully attending their lodge at Antioch, a distance of seven 
miles, and this at a time when roads were not State highways and auto- 
mobiles were unknown. Oftentimes it was noticeable that the majority 
at lodge were the Pittsburg members, notwithstanding the difficulties 
in getting there. When the town began to grow and the number of Mas- 
ons increased, there began to rank in the breast of one of the members 
who had served the offices and for two years as master of Antioch 
Lodge No. 175, a cherished hope that a lodge might be instituted in his 
home town, Pittsburg. When at last it was brought before the other 
members at the home of A. V. McFaul on November 25, 191 1, a great 
deal of enthusiasm was manifested and by January 20, 1912, the ar- 
rangements of details incident to the organization of Pittsburg Lodge 
No. 429 were completed. Twenty-two Master Masons, mostly dimitting 
from Antioch Lodge No. 175, comprised the new lodge, whose first 



FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 301 

meeting under dispensation was held February 20, 191 2. The officers 
chosen were : Archie Valentine McFaul, W. M. ; Ernest Herman Ward, 
S. W. ; Harry W. Reinhart, J. W. ; Bernard P. Lanteri, treasurer ; War- 
ren George Hubbard Croxon, secretary; Albert Hendricks Jongeneel, 
chaplain; James Shirley Hornsby, S. D. ; John Lowes, J. D. ; William 
James Buchanan, marshal ; Weaver McPherson Bailey and David Israel, 
stewards ; George Minaker, tyler. Charter was granted October 10, 1912, 
and on November 9, 1912, the lodge was instituted and officers installed. 
Grand Master W. P. Filmer officiated and Grand Secretary John 
Whicher, Grand Junior Deacon Fred B. Ward, with L. N. Buttner, In- 
spector of the Twenty-eighth Masonic District, attended the ceremonies. 
At the present time the membership has increased to double the original 
number, and on February 26, 191 6, this event was celebrated by enter- 
taining some of the neighbor lodges in an elaborate manner. 

In 1912 a number of Masons, seeing the needs of an additional lodge 
at Richmond, on account of the rapid growth and the large territory 
that Richmond covers, petitioned the Grand Lodge for a special dispen- 
sation to form a new lodge. Under date of June 4, 1912, the lodge was 
organized with twenty-five charter members, under a special dispensa- 
tion, dated May 24, 1912, issued by Past Grand Master Alonzo J. Mon- 
roe. The lodge under this special dispensation conferred the several de- 
grees on a number of candidates, and received a number of brothers by 
affiliation. October 10, 1912, a charter was issued by Grand Master 
Alonzo J. Monroe, and on November 12, 1912, the lodge was constituted 
by Grand Master William P. Filmer and other officers of the Grand 
Lodge. The first officers of the lodge were : Hershey Annin Stiver, W. 
M.; James Edward Maxfield, S. W. ; Thomas Thayer, J. W. ; Leonard 
Little, treasurer; Albert Hamilton Poage, secretary ; Edward Howe Har- 
low, chaplain ; Luke Joseph Glavinovich, S. D. ; Richard Edmond Slat- 
tery, J. D. ; Ross Lewis Calfee, marshal ; Clyde Everett Hopping and 
Walter Alexander Maier, stewards ; Max Michaels, tyler. Since 1912- 
191 3, Thomas Thayer and Luke Joseph Glavinovich have served as 
master. Richard Edmond Slattery is at present master. The lodge has 
had a steady growth, and has a membership of over two hundred. 

The history of Mount Diablo Lodge No. 448 is short on account of its 
recent founding, but if a detailed account of its early days was to be 
given it would show an unlimited amount of enthusiasm on the part of 



302 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

the handful of faithful members of the craft who felt that it was theiir 
duty and pleasure to promote the interests of the order in this part of 
Contra Costa County, The Grand Lodge of California granted a dispen- 
sation to the Masons in this locality on May 21, 1916, authorizing them 
to form, open, and conduct a Masonic lodge according to the ancient 
custom of the order. The first meeting was held May 30, 191 5. The lodge 
continued to work under this dispensation until October 17th of the 
same year, when the grand lodge granted this present charter. On that 
date the lodge was constituted and its officers installed by the grand 
lodge in the Masonic Temple in Oakland, Benjamin F. Bledsoe, Grand 
Master. L. L. Martin was the first master; Michaelis Neusteadter the 
senior warden and Charles W. Thissell, junior warden. Twenty- three 
members signed the by-laws. At the present writing the membership has 
reached forty, and, with the increasing enthusiasm on the part of all, 
the future of Mount Diablo Lodge No. 448, F. & A. M., will be at least 
an honor and pleasure to all members of the craft in Concord and the 
adjoining towns. 

Dispensation to organize Antioch Chapter No. 65, R. A. M., was 
granted June 3, 1884; charter was issued April 29, 1885 ; and the chap- 
ter was constituted May 13, 1885. Officers: C. H. Frink, high priest; D. 
D. Wills, king; J. C. O'Brien, scribe; D. G. Darby, treasurer ; W. H. Do- 
byns secretary; James Carter, captain of host; G. C. Wright, princi- 
pal sojourner; S. H. McKellips, royal arch captain; Geo. Holliday, mas- 
ter of third vail ; J. P. Abbott, master of second vail ; N. W. Smith, mas- 
ter of first vail, and Geo. A. Minaker, guard. 

Ariel Chapter No. 42, Order of the Eastern Star, was instituted in 
Antioch on March 30, 1880, with the following as charter members and 
officers : George Rice, worthy patron ; Elizabeth Williams, worthy ma- 
tron ; Alice Rouse, associate matron ; Clarence Frink, secretary ; Mary 
Frink, treasurer; A. R. Jessup, conductress; Bertha Jacobs, associate 
conductress; A.nnie McKellips, Adah; Kate Forman, Ruth; Mary E. 
Smith, Esther ; Nellie G. Abbott, Martha ; Alice Harkinson, Electa. Be- 
ginning with meager numbers, the chapter has grown into one of the 
leading institutions of the city, and now has a membership of more than 
140. Its roster contains the names of many of the leading people of An- 
tioch, and the social functions for which the chapter stands sponsor are 
among the principal events in the community. 



FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 303 

Crockett Chapter No. 184, O. E. S., was organized September 7, 1900. 
The officers at that time were : Emily OUetha Walker, worthy matron ; 
Edmund Freund, worthy patron ; Libbie Emma Reid, associate matron ; 
Charles Philip Thomas, secretary; Edmund Robert Reid, treasurer; 
Emma Mary Hedemark, conductress ; Nancy Calwell Moiles, associate 
conductress ; Henrietta Maria Enos, Adah ; Kate Emily Edwards, Ruth ; 
Minnie Perrin Freund, Esther ; Harriet Delila Wey man, Martha; Marie 
Schneider, Electa; Marie Thompson, warder; James Thompson, sen- 
tinel. Present officers : Maud Alice Gay, worthy matron ; Jacob Erratt 
Hughes, worthy patron; AmeUa Kleinkopf, associate matron; Helena 
C. Paul, secretary ; Annie Edwards, treasurer ; Grayce Anna Laidlaw, 
conductress ; Annie J. Edwards, associate conductress ; Enid Elizabeth 
Staples, Adah ; Elizabeth Colinina Helen Burdon, Ruth ; Louise Anto- 
nia Adams, Esther ; Margaret Hughes, Martha ; Daisy Stemmle, Elec- 
ta ; Sarah Davies Jones, warder ; John Henry Dorman, sentinel ; George 
Jones, chaplain; Louise Smith, marshal; Lurah Lennon Madden, or- 
ganist; District Deputy Grand Matron of the Twenty-fifth District, 
Ethel I. Sweetser. Membership at the present time, 83. 

Pinole Chapter No. 220, O. E. S., was instituted on February 23, 
1904, by Grand Patron McNoble, assisted by Grand Secretary Kate J. 
Willats. Miss Susie Willats was also present and assisted. Following is 
a list of the fifteen charter members : Abraham Greenfield, Belle Green- 
field, Jennie Paterson, Bertha Evans, Ellen E. Barrett, Emma Holliday, 
C. H. Holliday, Lillie E. Lehmkuhl, Chas. F. Lehmkuhl, May Enloe, Jo- 
seph V. Enloe, Lottie Pfeiffer, George W. Pfeiffer, Emily McKenzie 
(affiliation), WilHam McKenzie (affiliation). Officers at that time: Lil- 
lie E. Lehmkuhl, worthy matron; WilHam McKenzie, worthy patron; 
Jennie Paterson, associate matron; Joseph V. Enloe, secretary; Abra- 
ham Greenfield, treasurer; Emily McKenzie, conductress; Bertha Ev- 
ans, associate conductress; Belle Greenfield, Adah; Emma Holliday, 
Ruth; May Enloe, Esther; Ellen Barrett, Martha; Lottie Pfeiffer, Elec- 
ta; Charles F. Lehmkuhl, warder; George W. Pfeiffer, sentinel. Pres- 
ent officers (1916) : Mary C. Woy, worthy matron; Henry McCullough, 
worthy patron; Isabell Fraser, associate matron; Ella Gerrish, secre- 
tary; George Pfeiffer, treasurer; Goldie Sill, conductress; Nellie Gra- 
ham, associate conductress; Minnie Higuera, Adah; Lillie Lehmkuhl, 
Ruth; Grace Piquett, Esther; Emily McKenzie, Martha; Lucia Rob- 



304 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



ison, Electa; Lillie Catlett, chaplain; Lottie Pfeiffer, marshal; Clara 
Hughes, organist; William McKenzie, warder; Stephen Johnston, sen- 
tinel. Total membership, 47. Finance account, good. Masonic support, 
good. Harmony and sociability prevail. 

Almona Chapter No. 214, O. E. S., was organized at Walnut Creek, 
September 5, 1903, with the following officers : Edith Clark, worthy ma- 
tron ; William Meese, worthy patron ; Xarrissa Hill, associate matron ; 
Lena C. Anderson, secretary; Mary Walker, treasurer; Ethel Flour- 
noy, conductress; Ruby Harlan, associate conductress; Lizzie Law- 
rence, Adah; Mary Burpee, Ruth; Laura Hood, Esther; Lucy Hull, 
Electa; Lillian Close, chaplain; NelHe Fulton, organizer; Elizabeth 
Ramage, warder; James M. Stow, sentinel. The officers at present are 
as follows: May Elizabeth Stuchs, Lafayette, worthy matron; Harry 
Thurman Silver, Walnut Creek, worthy patron; Lizzie Adelaide Dun- 
can, Walnut Creek, associate matron ; May Spencer, Walnut Creek, sec- 
retary; Mary Burpee, Walnut Creek, treasurer; Eva Berry Leech, 
Walnut Creek, conductress ; Adele Hook, Hookston, associate conduc- 
tress ; Maude Jones Silver, Walnut Creek, Adah ; Ruby BurpeeHarlan, 
Walnut Creek, Ruth; Irene Bodva, Danville, Esther; Cora Billings 
Weister, Danville, Martha ; Josephine Hook, Hookston, Electa ; Lillian 
Grass, Danville, chaplain ; Leona B. Abiott, Danville, marshal ; Ida Hall, 
Alamo, organist ; Louise Hook, Hookston, warder ; Louis Irwin Stuchs, 
Lafayette, sentinel. The chapter lost by death, April 13, Belle Fiddis 
Brooks, associate conductress, and June 16, 1916, Anna Journal, con- 
ductress, so have had to substitute those two offices. Present member- 
ship, 117. Have $950 worth of stock in Masonic Hall Association. The 
Masonic Temple is in course of construction. 

Los Ceritos Chapter No. 234,0. E. S., was organized at Martinez July 
22, 1905, with the following officers: Margaret V. Borland, worthy ma- 
tron; William A. Hale, worthy patron; Mary E. Hayward, associate 
matron ; Vesta E. Wilson, secretary ; George A. Wiley, treasurer ; Re- 
becca Pasch, conductress ; Jennie I. Hale, associate conductreess ; Grace 
S. Morrow, Adah; Linny Wiley, Ruth; Elizabeth S. Stewart, Esther; 
Beulah C. Hodapp, Martha; Ednette M. Ingraham, Electa; Margaret 
Crilley, warder; R. H. Latimer, sentinel. Present officers: Geneva H. 
Gleese, worthy matron ; Joseph A. Royster, worthy patron ; Rachel H. 
Elliott, associate matron ; Mary E. Hayward, secretary ; Don O. Brill- 





C(/L^ 




FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 305 

hart, treasurer ; Clara W. Van Prooyen, conductress ; Margaret L. Peck, 
associate conductress; Nannie E. Sharkey, Adah; Jennie A. Brillhart, 
Ruth; Olive W. Reed, Esther; Viola R. Coleman, Martha; Alta B. 
Hoadley, Electa ; Sarah J. Davies, chaplain ; Vesta E, Wilson, organist ; 
Agnes S. Royster, warder ; Orville E. Hayward, sentinel. Emma L. Mc- 
Clellan, marshal, died September i, 1916. Present membership, 81. 

Acantha Chapter No. 249, O. E. S., was organized at Richmond, Sep- 
tember 7, 1906. Instituted by Grand Patron Florin Jones, assisted by 
Grand Treasurer Helen M. Seaman, acting as grand marshal, and 
Grand Secretary Kate J. Willats. The following were the officers for the 
first year: Margaret J. Schoen, worthy matron ;Frederick M. Neville, 
worthy patron; Winifred Stockwell, associate matron; Anna Neville, 
conductress; Lola Jean McWay, associate conductress; Palmerton C. 
Campbell, secretary; Nathan J. Pritchard, treasurer; Mary E. Camp- 
bell, Adah; Kate McVicker, Ruth; Bessie Pritchard, Esther; Julia 
Odell, Martha; Amy McRacken, Electa; Eleanor Gregory, warder; 
Samuel Smith, sentinel ; Alfeus Odell, chaplain. The present officers are 
as follows : Caroline Kinney, worthy matron ; Clyde C. Olney, worthy 
patron; Fannie I. Rowland, associate matron; Bernice McCormick, sec- 
retary; Marietta Duncan, treasurer; Cora C. Thayer, conductress; 
Martha A. Chandler, associate conductress ; Edna Christie, Adah ; Ethel 
Swearingen, Ruth; Sadie V. Osier, Esther; Delia A. Long, Martha; 
Mary A. McDonough, Electa; John E. Breese, chaplain; Myrtle A. 
Stiver, marshal ; Anna B. Miller, organist ; Anna M. Radcliffe, warden ; 
Jesse A. Osier, sentinel. Present membership, 199, with two more 
elected to affiliate, and two petitions for initiations received September 
8, 1916, which was tenth anniversary of the chapter. From July i, 191 5, 
to July I, 191 6, received thirty-one into membership. The chapter is 
prosperous in every way, the members taking great interest, as is mani- 
fested by the attendance at the meetings. 

RICHMOND LODGE NO. I25I, B. P. O. E. 

BY HARCOURT G. BIGGS 

On May 2, 191 1, twenty-nine Elks signed a petition expressing their 
willingness and desire to organize an Elks Lodge in Richmond, and 
from that date begins the history of Elkdom in Richmond and Contra 
Costa County. Then came the meetings, where were discussed many 



3o6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

things looking toward the advent of the fraternity and of obtaining the 
consent of Berkeley Lodge No. 1002, our mother-lodge. A committee 
was formed, and on the .floor of the Berkeley lodge the request was 
made, and simultaneously the officers and brothers of that lodge arose 
and responded as being in favor of instituting such lodge and gave the 
committee guarantees of their heartiest assistance and support. From 
the request of Berkeley followed the request to the D. D. G. E. R., F. G. 
S. Conlon, of San Francisco. With Berkeley lodge, he was invited to 
Richmond on Sunday, at which time he was driven through the city 
to the Standard Oil Company's plant and that of the California Wine 
Association at Winehaven, to impress upon him the permanency of our 
institutions and resources. On returning we repaired to Brother Wylie's 
restaurant where a feed was spread. From there we went into session 
at Brother Abbott's office, and after laying our propositions before the 
D. D. G. E. R. he replied that from the spirit and enthusiasm shown he 
would sanction the project with his indorsement. A dispensation was 
asked and granted August i, 191 1. 

Eighteen of the twenty-nine petitioners met in Brother C. J. Rihn's 
office and selected the officers for the term, as follows : C. L. Abbott, 
exalted ruler; A. C. Lang, esteemed leading knight; C. J. Rihn, loyal 
knight ; H. G. Biggs, lecturing knight ; F. W. Smith, secretary ; F. C. 
Schram, treasurer; W. V. Keltz, A. H. Burnett, and E. W. O'Brien, 
trustees ; H. E. French, tyler ; J. A. Bell, esquire ; R. Bankhead, chap- 
lain ; D. H. Carpenter, inner guard. 

After the officers had been selected came the question of institution, 
whom to invite, and how to care for them. A motion was made and ap- 
proved to limit the expenditure to $150 and invite the mother-lodge 
with certain representatives of the neighboring lodges. Soon thereafter 
we concluded to invite all the Elks about the bay and let the expense 
take care of itself. On the night of September 19, 191 1, twenty-five 
hundred visitors were in Richmond, and there was an institution un- 
exampled and a spread of viands and vintage fit for the gods. Imme- 
diately succeeding meetings gave an impetus toward purchasing suit- 
able property, so that when the time to build should arrive we would 
at least have our site. The Hall Association was incorporated January 
26, 1912. The directors were as follows: C. L. Abbott, president; A. C. 
Lang, vice-president; W. T. Helms, secretary; E. M. Downer, treas- 



FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 307 

urer; A. H. Burnett, F. C. Schram, H. W. Tuller, E. M. Tilden, M. L. 
Fernandez. The first meeting of directors was on February 3, 191 2. 
Two lots on Tenth and Macdonald Avenue being available, Brother E. 
M. Tilden, in behalf of the lodge, February 14, 1912, purchased the 
same at a cost of $12,000. Only a short time elapsed before we decided 
to sell more stock and issue bonds toward the building of a home. The 
contract for the basement was let on October 31, 1912, The contract for 
the building was let on April 25, 191 3. The building, costing $78,000, was 
accepted January 26, 1914. The furnishings cost $22,000. The present 
structure with its beauty of architecture and many accomodations is the 
result. It stands out as the best and most modern building in Richmond, 
and is acknowledged the greatest private asset of our fast-growing city. 
It is a home for Elks, come from where they may. All are invited, all are 
welcome. 

The Past Exalted Rulers are : Doctor C. L. Abbott, A. C. Lang, and 
Harcourt G. Biggs. The present officers are as follows: J. A. Bell, ex- 
alted ruler ; Howard French, esteemed leading knight ; Herman W. Tul- 
ler, esteemed loyal knight ; Clare Horner, esteemed lecturing knight ; J. 
P. Arnold, secretary; J. O. Ford, treasurer; W. S. Pierce, esquire; Rev. 
Thomas A. Boyer, chaplain; Joe Dietrich, inner guard; Peter Brown, 
tyler. Trustees: A. H. Burnett, D. H. Carpenter, and J. A. McVittie. 
Presley Neville, organist. Charter Members: C. L. Abbott, R. Bank- 
head, J. A. Bell, H. G. Biggs, A. H. Burnett, D. H. Carpenter, Charles 
Dalton, B. E. Fariss, H. E. French, J. E. Lowney, W. A. LaSalle, J. R. 
Froberg, J. J. Grant, W. E. Hanson, N. R. Jackson, W. V. Keltz, C. F. 
Kings, A. C. Lang, J. W. Melbourne, E .W. O'Brien, John Purnhagen, 
Chas. J. Rihn, H. L. Rutley, F. C. Schram, O. E. Smedley, Frank W. 
Smith, J. W. Switzer, E. H. Truax, Oliver Wylie. 

NATIVE SONS OF THE GOLDEN WEST 

General Winn Parlor No. 32, Antioch. — Instituted Saturday, July 26, 
1884, by Grand President Steinbach, with a membership of 25. C. F. 
Montgomery, president, and C. M. Belshaw, secretary. 

Mount Diablo Parlor No. loi, Martinez. — Instituted February 7, 
1887, by Grand President Decker and D. D. G. P., C. M. Belshaw, with 
a membership of seventeen. T. A. McMahon, president, and F. L. Glass, 
secretary. 



3o8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Central Parlor No. 140, Walnut Creek. — Instituted June 19, 1889, by- 
Grand President Frank D. Ryan, with a membership of 39. E. B. An- 
derson, president, and James A. Black, secretary. Dissolved April 25, 
1896. 

Byron Parlor No. 170, Byron. — Instituted February 7, 1891, by 
Grand President Miller, with a membership of 20. W. H Johnston, 
president, and W. H. Lewis, secretary. 

Sunrise Parlor No. 204, Pinole. — Instituted Agust 4, 1899, by Grand 
President Frank Mattison, with a membership of 33. J. W. Wilson, 
president, and John Wunderlich, secretary. Dissolved April 2J^ 1906. 

Carquinez Parlor No. 205, Crockett. — Instituted August 5, 1899, by 
Grand President Frank Mattison, with a membership of 44. W. H. Mc- 
Donald, president, and H. T. Smith, secretary. 

Richmond Parlor No. 217, Richmond. — Instituted January 6, 1903, 
by Grand President Byington, with a membership of 21. C. F. Grant, 
president, and J. D. Grant, secretary. 

Concord Parlor No. 245, Concord. — Instituted November 2, 1908, by 
Grand Organizer Andrew Mocker, with a membership of 30. A. C. Geh- 
ringer, president, and C. Hook, secretary. 

Diamond Parlor No. 246, Pittsburg. — Instituted February 4, 1909, by 
Grand Organizer Mocker, with a membership of 27. W. G. H. Croxon, 
president, and L. H. Schmalholz, secretary. 

San Ramon Valley Parlor No. 249, Danville. — Instituted April 10, 
1909, by Grand Organizer Mocker, with a membership of 23. C. G. 
Goold, president, and S. H. Flournoy, secretary. 



CHAPTER XXV 

MARTINEZ 

BY J. R. BOOTHE 

The first settlement of the region contingent to the city of Martinez, the 
county seat of Contra Costa County, was made nearly a century ago. 
In the year 1823, over twenty years before gold was discovered in Cali- 
fornia, and before the eyes of the East, and in fact the entire world, 
turned toward the Golden West, Ignacio Martinez and Francisco Cas- 
tro applied for and received grants to vast tracts of land, the latter re- 
ceiving what was known as the San Pablo Rancho, and Martinez re- 
ceiving the Pinole grant. Their nearest neighbors were the Peraltas 
and the Castros, of San Antonio and San Lorenzo. Martinez and Cas- 
tro erected adobe residences, pretentious ones for that period, built 
barns, and planted trees and vines, becoming the first fruit- and grape- 
growers in Contra Costa County. Other families followed, but the haci- 
endas of these two grandees were the hub of the life and the activity of 
this section. 

There were no roads in those days. Trails led here and there across 
the valleys of waving corn and over the hills where the virgin oak flour- 
ished. Fences were unknown ; these early settlers did not fence ofif one 
piece of their land from another, but allowed their cattle to roam at will. 

The first of the two above-named ranchos was named for Saint Paul 
(San Pablo), who was one of the most enthusiastic as well as favorite 
disciples of the Saviour. The other, and the one with which we are con- 
cerned in this article, derives its name from pinole (meal), the story 
being told that a band of hungry Mexicans, who had been in pursuit of 
a band of Indians in the foothills of Mount Diablo, had their hunger 
appeased at a small settlement on San Pablo Bay en route to the Mission 
San Rafael. The small and nearly famished band passed through the 
valley of El Hambre (the vale of hunger), and their first food was a 
mess of meal obtained at this point, which they thereupon designated 
Pinole, and when Ignacio Martinez was granted these leagues of land 
he perpetuated the name given the region by the famished troopers. 



310 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



In 1832 William Welch, a Scotchman, secured title to the tract of 
land known as the Welch (or Las Juntas) Rancho, on which a portion 
of the city of Martinez now stands. 

From that time up to the discovery of gold at Sutter's mill there was 
little development of this region. In 1849 Colonel William M. Smith, 
acting as agent for the Martinez family, from whom the city derives its 
name, decided upon founding a town. In furtherance of this project he 
employed Thomas A. Brown, who later became superior judge, to sur- 
vey and lay out one hundred and twenty acres on the westerly side of El 
Hambre Creek. This was promptly done, and the tract being subdivided, 
the lots and blocks were quickly sold and the building of houses and 
stores commenced. The first building erected in the town was the home 
of Doctor Leffler, built by Nicholas Hunsaker, and the second by Judge 
Brown, in which he, with his brother Warren and Napoleon B. Smith, 
opened the first trading-post in the county. The house later occupied by 
E. W. Miller was built for a store for Boorham & Dana in 1849. About 
the same time a store was erected for Howard & Wells. It was managed 
by Howard Havens, who later became the cashier of the Donohoe-Kelly 
Bank of San Francisco. 

In 1850-51 the first addition to the town was surveyed by Judge 
Brown, under instructions from the owners of the Welch Rancho, El 
Hambre Creek being the line which divides the original survey (Pinole) 
from the additional survey (Welch, or Las Juntas). This tract con- 
sisted of between five hundred and six hundred acres, and was also laid 
out in blocks and lots. The first buildings erected were the houses of 
Wise, Douglas, Lawless, McMahon, Doctor Bolton, and the Contra 
Costa News office. The Douglas house, it might be noted in passing, 
was used as the first office of the county clerk. 

In 1850 a negro named Jones opened a hotel on the site where the 
Alhambra Hotel was opened in later years and for a long period con- 
ducted by Josiah Sturges. At this time the adobe residence of Vicente 
Martinez stood on what later became known as the Doctor John Strent- 
zel property, but other adobes were built soon after, closer to the heart 
of the town. 

In 1 85 1 the first school was opened in the house which Judge Brown 
and his family occupied later, the school-room being used for a meet- 
ing-house on Sundays, and the court, during its session, and the Masonic 



\ 



MARTINEZ 311 

lodge holding their meetings upstairs. R. B. McNair was the first teach- 
er, although it has been stated that B. R. Holliday taught the first school 
in the town. 

Even in those early times Martinez had efficient teachers, but the 
lack of a suitable school-building was felt. Although complaint was 
made in 1858 that the school was not kept open for a sufficient period 
during the year, it was not until 1872 that the difficulty was solved by 
the erection of an adequate building. This was accomplished by the levy- 
ing of a special school-district tax, by which over six thousand dollars 
was raised for the first permanent schoolhouse in Martinez. Today the 
schools of this town will compare favorably with any others in the 
State. 

In 1852 the Union Hotel was built on the site of the James Hoey resi- 
dence, and was for years conducted by Captain R. E. Borden, then 
county treasurer. 

On January 25, 185 1, a petition signed by the citizens of Martinez 
was presented to the Court of Sessions, through District Attorney J. F. 
Williams, praying for the incorporation of the town of Martinez. The 
petition reads as follows : 

*To the Honorable F. M. Warmcastle, County Judge : Your petition- 
ers, citizens of Martinez, pray your honor to incorporate the following 
metes and bounds to be known as the town of Martinez and to estab- 
lish therein a police for their local government and regulation of any 
commons pertaining to such town towit : Commencing at a point oppo- 
site the old ferry-house in the Straits of Carquinez, one fourth of a 
mile from high-water mark; thence up the Straits of Carquinez in a 
straight line one mile to a one one-fourth of a mile from high-water 
mark; thence running in a southeasterly direction at right angles with 
the first line, one mile ; thence running in a northwesterly direction at 
right angles with the last line, one mile ; thence in a northeasterly direc- 
tion at right angles with the last line to the place of beginning, so as to 
include one mile square." 

The court thereupon ordered that the town of Martinez be duly in- 
corporated, and the order provided that the election of the first trustees 
be held on February 8, 185 1. After a brief period, the Supreme Court 
declared the act under which the incorporation had been effected void. 
Incorporation anew under the general law was objected to as involving 



312 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



too much expense and machinery, and for over a quarter century, until 
1876, Martinez continued as a village, without corporate being or au- 
thority. 

From the year 1852 on the town began to assert itself and became 
known far and wide. Many new buildings were erected and a general 
era of prosperity ensued. 

The Contra Costa Gazette, one of the oldest newspapers in the Statt 
of California, was established in Martinez on Saturday, September 18, 
1858, by W. B. Soule & Company. For nearly three-score years, with- 
out missing an issue, this publication has recorded each week the events 
which have contributed to the history of Contra Costa County. The 
files at many times have been used as reference by the archivists of the 
University of California in the compilation of California history. 
Throughout its entire existence the politics of the paper have remained 
Republican. On the seventh publication the management was changed 
and C. R. K. Bonnard and B. E. Hillsman became the owners. From its 
first issue the paper appeared in four pages of seven columns, well ed- 
ited and printed, at a subscription price of five dollars a year. The Bon- 
nard Company controlled the Gazette until February 26, 1859, when it 
was purchased by W. Bradford, who became the sole owner. Bradford 
conducted the paper alone until April 28, i860, when he sold an undi- 
vided half interest to R. R. Bunker. Under this management it was pub- 
lished until March 23, 1861, when Bradford disposed of his interest to 
W. W. Theobalds. With the development of the grain-shipping industry 
and agricultural activity at Pacheco, situated five miles from Martinez, 
that community became the leading commercial center of the county. 
In September, 1861, the Gazette was moved to Pacheco. In that town it 
was published for twelve years. The brick building, of which the plant 
occupied the second floor, was badly damaged by an earthquake on Oc- 
tober 21, 1868. A near-by barn was secured, and, after many difliculties 
in moving the machinery and type from the shattered structure, the pa- 
per was published at its usual time. On July 8, 1865, another change 
occurred in the management, when C. B. Porter purchased the interest 
of Theobalds. The life of the Gazette has not been without its misfor- 
tunes, the second of which occurred in September, 1871. One morning 
a fire broke out in the building, and before it could be extinguished 
every scrap of material and machinery had been destroyed. Within 



MARTINEZ 313 

forty-eight hours an entire new plant had been secured and the paper 
appeared on its usual day of issue. Subsequent to the gradual decline of 
Pacheco as a shipping center, the Gazette was moved back to Martinez 
in November, 1873. ^ ^^w frame structure was erected for the use of 
the paper in Main Street, on the present site of the Gazette building. On 
March 3, 1882, F. K. Foster, a newspaperman well known throughout 
the State, purchased a third interest in the pubUcation, which he held 
until November 3, 1883, when Porter severed his connection with the 
concern and a copartnership was formed between Bunker and Foster. 
This firm conducted the paper until August 2y, 1887, when Thomas S. 
Davenport purchased the interest of Foster. On January 4, 1888, ap- 
peared the first pubHcation of the Gazette as a semi-weekly. The size of 
the paper was decreased from seven to six columns, four pages. After 
being published at this size until April 11, 1888, the increase of business 
necessitated its enlargement to eight columns. James Foster, on October 
3, 1888, purchased from Davenport a half interest, which he held, with 
Bunker as a partner, until his death, on July 17, 1893. After being pub- 
lished for five years as a semi-weekly, the paper was restored on Janu- 
ary 7, 1893, to a weekly publication. Following the death of Foster, his 
interest was sold to Wallace Clarence Brown, who edited the paper in 
conjunction with Bunker. After thirty-six years as a part owner of the 
Gazette, Bunker disposed of his interest to Brown on December 7, 1895. 
After conducting the paper for three years, Brown sold the entire bus- 
iness in 1898 to G. E. Milnes. On March i, 1900, the Daily Press, the 
first successful daily paper in Contra Costa County, was estabhshed in 
Martinez by W. A. Rugg. After publishing the Press for four years, 
Rugg disposed of the paper to the Gazette Publishing Company, which 
changed the name to the Daily Gazette. In 1907 Rugg, the former ed- 
itor of the Daily Press, purchased from G. E. Milnes the controlling in- 
terest in the Gazette Publishing Company, and from that time on the 
management of the two publications has remained the same. 

The California Express was published at Martinez about 1867 by 
Alexander Montgomery, who had in 1861 commenced the publication 
of the Napa Echo, which violently opposed the administration of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, and every measure taken to subdue the Southern Rebel- 
lion. Its circulation and patronage were limited, and in a pecuniary 
point of view it was never successful. Still it kept on until April, 1865, 



3H 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



when it suspended publication on the morning of the announcement of 
Lincoln's assassination. After its removal to Martinez it continued regu- 
larly for about two years. 

The Enterprise was started in Martinez in 1871 by J. W. Collier as 
a democratic paper. It was, however, printed in San Francisco, the pub- 
lication office being at Martinez. It lived but a short time. 

The Contra Costa Standard was established at Pacheco in 1873. In 
October, 1877, it was removed to Martinez. It has been one of the influ- 
ential weekly publications in the central section of the State in that it 
has always advocated and worked for those principles that make for 
progress and the development of the county's interests. The Martinez 
Daily Standard is published in conjunction with the weekly Contra 
Costa Standard. Both are owned by the Contra Costa Publishing Com- 
pany, a joint stock company. The daily was established in 191 1, and has 
become an influential factor in the county's affairs. In politics these two 
publications are of Republican affiliation and strong advocates of Re- 
publican policies, though of the more progressive or independent type. 
The weekly consists of eight pages, and is published on Saturday. The 
daily is a four-page publication, and is issued every evening except Sun- 
day. Will R. Sharkey is the editor and manager of both publications. 

On November 6, 1858, W. K. Leavitt was given the contract for the 
building of the Roman Catholic church, which was blown down about 
1866, whereupon the present edifice was erected. 

On April 8, 1859, Martinez and Benicia were first joined by tele- 
graph and on June 6th of the same year Mette & Co. established the 
first stage line between Martinez and Oakland. 

On September 17, i860, Martinez Engine Company No. i was organ- 
ized. On February 15, 1862, the ladies of Martinez raised a fund of one 
hundred dollars in a few hours for the fencing of the Alhambra Ceme- 
tery. In May, 1867, Coffin & Standish erected a flour-mill which was lat- 
er occupied by Black's cannery. 

The Martinez Water Company was incorporated on September 5,1871. 
Martinez Hook and Ladder Company was organized on February 4, 
1871. 

In February, 1876, the citizens of Martinez, mindful of the fact that 
the corporate existence of the town had lapsed many years before, re- 
incorporated the municipality, the boundaries being defined as follows : 



MARTINEZ 315 

''Beginning at a point where the fence dividing the lands of J. P. Jones 
and L. I. Fish touches the Straits of Carquinez ; thence southwardly 
along the said fence and continuing the same course to the line of the 
homestead tract of H. Bush ; thence westwardly along the north line of 
Bush's homestead tract to the Arroyo del Hambre ; thence souther- 
ly along said arroyo to the center of G Street ; thence westwardly along 
G Street to the western boundary of the town of Martinez as originally 
surveyed ; thence northwardly, following the western boundary of the 
town plat to the Straits of Carquinez ; thence eastwardly along the 
shores of the Straits of Carquinez to the place of beginning." On May 
23, 1876, Thomas McMahon and L. C. Wittenmyer were elected two of 
the three trustees and J. R. L. Smith assessor and tax-collector. 

In the year 1879 the Bush homestead property was purchased for the 
site of a Roman Catholic college, which was later erected by the 
Christian Brothers Society of St. Mary's College and given the name of 
the De La Salle Institute. 

Ten years previous to this time, Grace Church (Protestant Episco- 
pal) was built, although the many communicants who resided here had 
attended worship since 1854 at St. Paul's Church, Benicia, at times hav- 
ing services here in the Methodist church. The Rev. E. P. Gray was the 
first pastor, and the parish is now in charge of the Rev. E. Glandon 
Davies. 

The Congregational church was organized in Martinez on June 18, 
1874, and the first resident pastor was the Rev. W. S. Clark. A few 
years later the Methodist church building was purchased. The work of 
the church is now under the direction of the Rev. Clarence A. Stone. 

In the spring of 1874 the Contra Costa News was established in the 
town of Pacheco, but was later removed to Martinez, where it existed 
under various managements and under numerous names until it has be- 
come the Contra Costa Standard. 

The Alhambra Cemetery (Protestant) was originally a portion of the 
Pinole grant included within the boundaries of the town of Martinez by 
the original survey. The area is five acres, and is now the property of 
the association organized for the purpose of managing its affairs. Con- 
tiguous to Alhambra Cemetery is St. Catherine's Cemetery (Roman 
Catholic)) where many of the early settlers in this county and town have 
been laid to rest. 



3i6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

For several years Shirley & Mizner operated the ferry between Mar- 
tinez and Benicia, continuing in that business, with a landing at the foot 
of Ferry Street, until the late '70s, when they sold out to the Northern 
Railway Company, which, together with the San Pablo & Tulare Rail- 
way Company, built the first railroad through Martinez. The original 
line from Oakland east — the "golden spike" line — was built through 
Martinez, via Tracy, Lathrop, and Lodi, to Sacramento, the Benicia- 
Sacramento line — the **Calpe" — being constructed several years later. 

The old Morgan House, erected in 1885 at the corner of Main and 
Ferry streets, was destroyed by fire in 1887, and Bernardo Fernandez, 
who had acquired the property, immediately started the erection of the 
Martinez Hotel, which stands today on the property, a three - story 
structure, lately remodeled, but which at the time was the most preten- 
tious building in the county. In the same year the Congregational church 
as it stands today was erected and two years later the Martinez Electric 
Light & Gas Company was started. 

It is no exaggeration to state that Martinez is one of the most pic- 
turesque towns in the State. It has a sylvan beauty all its own ; shade- 
trees abound on every street and hedges and flowering plants surround 
most of the residences. Climate and soil are such that some of the finest 
fruits and flowers of Contra Costa County are grown in its vicinity. In 
the near-by valleys are situated some of the finest vineyards and or- 
chards in the State. They are made possible largely by the mountain 
range which shelters this region from sea-winds. Through this range 
the Straits of Carquinez have forced their way. 

Situated on the Straits of Carquinez, all the commerce of the Sacra- 
mento and San Joaquin rivers is brought in touch with Martinez, a 
goodly share of which she receives. Suisun Bay, about three miles wide 
at this point, lies directly in front of the town. Across the channel lies 
Benicia, with its army barracks, and its big railroad ferry, and beyond 
which may be seen the purple and gently rolling contour of the Coast 
Range mountains. On the southern side of the straits, Martinez nestles 
in a crescent-shaped cove, sheltered on the west by a wall of hills which 
rise abruptly from the water, affording an effective barrier against the 
trade-winds of the Pacific and forming a picturesque background. 

Like all other communities, Martinez has suffered the usual loss from 
devastating fires. The first serious conflagration occurred in September, 



MARTINEZ 317 

1856, when the Union Hotel and Blum's, Lazar's, and Hook's stores 
were destroyed. No serious fire occurred again until July 18, 1867; on 
this date the mansion on the Gift place was destroyed. Then followed 
another interval of almost the same duration, but on December 12, 
1876, a group of five fine buildings on the southwest corner of Main and 
Ferry streets was obliterated. A sixth building, belonging to John Mc- 
Cann, also suffered heavy damage, but he made sufficient repairs to 
again occupy it by the 30th of December. Fire again visited Martinez on 
March 16, 1877, on this occasion the home of Mrs. Jane E. Chase being 
destroyed, and on January 6, 1878, the Granger's Restaurant, owned by 
F. D. Briare, met a similar fate. A loss that was severely felt occurred 
on March 8, 1880, when the Alhambra schoolhouse was burned to the 
ground. Doubtless there have been occasional conflagrations since this 
last date, but they are here omitted as lacking in the historical interest 
of the earlier disasters. Today Martinez has a thoroughly modern and 
efficient fire equipment, of which its citizens are justly proud, and the 
town is thus effectually insured against serious disaster from fire. 

The first serious earthquake to be felt by Martinez was on Wednes- 
day, October 21, 1868, considerable damage being caused by a temblor 
that simultaneously visited various other parts of the State. The new 
stone building of the Alhambra Hotel was damaged to the extent of 
having two of its walls thrown down. The walls of the brick buildings 
belonging to Blum, Lazar, Colman, and the Fish Brothers were consid- 
erably cracked. The heaviest toll was levied on the courthouse, a part of 
the top and rear walls of which was thrown down. 

In common with cities of other sections of the State, Martinez felt 
the severe earthquake of April 18, 1906, but the damage sustained was 
slight and such as could be speedily repaired. It may be mentioned at 
this point that no lives were lost on either occasion. The observation is 
often made in California that earthquakes in this region are far less to 
be feared than the devastating cyclones and thunder-storms in the East. 

In the old days, when the town was under the spell of the Spanish 
influence, along with the other sections of central and southern Califor- 
nia, there was no great haste about doing things. Her population, in 
which the Latin races predominated, basked in the wonderful California 
climate, devoid of ambition to enter the lists of commercialism with its 
attendant hurry and rush. A living could be made with comparatively 



3i8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

little toil, and why disturb oneself beyond procuring the necessaries of 
life? There was always manana, and today one might enjoy a siesta. 
The old-time afternoon siesta lengthened into years instead of hours. 
Its sway persisted for six decades, and then it passed out as completely 
as once had been its dominion. Martinez is living today. Gone are ma- 
nana and the siesta, for Martinez, keeping pace with the other thriving 
cities of Contra Costa County, has awakened to the keen throb of com- 
mercial activity and civic pride. 

The population of Martinez has grown so rapidly in the past two 
years (1915-16) that hotels and restaurants have been hard pressed to 
keep pace with the demand for accommodations, although many new 
buildings have been erected and old ones have been remodeled and en- 
larged. This was all brought about by the Royal Dutch Shell Company. 
Selecting Martinez, with its splendid transportation faciUties, both by 
water and rail, as being in every way desirable for the location of its 
oil refineries, this great concern purchased four hundred acres of land 
in and adjacent to the town, embracing the Arnstein, Cutler, and Potter 
holdings, began active building operations toward the end of 1914, and 
erected a $5,000,000 refinery to employ over two thousand men. The 
California branch of the immense Dutch-English syndicate is known as 
the Shell Oil Company of California, and is capitahzed at $55,000,000. 
The parent corporation has extensive oil holdings in the Dutch East In- 
dies, Roumania, Russia, and Egypt, and is a large manufacturer of gas- 
oline, kerosene, and lubricating oils and greases. The CaUfornia opera- 
tions began with the purchase of some of the finest holdings in the 
Coalinga oil-fields. A pipe-line eight inches in diameter now extends 
from the Coalinga oil holdings to the refinery at Martinez, a distance of 
176 miles. It is capable of supplying about 15,000 barrels of crude oil 
per day. In less than two years this company has accomplished a vast 
amount of work. The first view of the Shell properties is met over the 
hill and just east of the main refinery. Here are seen twenty mammoth 
steel tanks, capable of holding in the aggregate over a milhon barrels of 
crude oil. These tanks cost a total of over $300,000. Counting all, big 
and little, the company will have about 175 tanks, with a total capacity 
of over three million barrels. 

At the central refinery one's attention is first arrested by the Trumble 
plant. Here are found an immense maze and network of pipes that carry 



MARTINEZ 319 

in the crude oil, to go through the various stages of refinement, at the 
rate of ten thousand barrels a day. It all looks like Greek to the visitor, 
although the guide seems to have a mass of information at the end of 
his tongue. He talks glibly of superheaters, dephlegmators, and con- 
densers, and we have to take his word for it and pass on. Soon we find' 
ourselves in the big boiler-house, where eight Heine water-tube boilers 
supply all the steam for the refinery. Although they develop two thou- 
sand horse-power, only two men are required to watch over them. The 
place is scrupulously clean throughout. 

Just in front of the boiler-house the pumping plant is situated. Twenty 
great pumps are kept busy pumping the distilled product, in its various 
stages, to the storage-tanks, where the finished product is kept. A little 
farther along we come to the two colossal cooling towers, which help to 
economize on the water consumption, which is a large item in a plant of 
this size. Passing around to the north, we view the kerosene agitators, 
with a capacity of treating four thousand barrels. Then we find our- 
selves at the bleaching-house, where the celebrated Shell lubricants are 
made. Our time grows short, so we rapidly pass on to the machine- 
shops and main storehouse, both marvels of efficiency. 

Along the water-front all the varied activities of filling and shipping 
barreled and canned light oils are carried on. Here a wharf thirty-three 
hundred feet long stretches out to deep water, where there is a depth of 
thirty-two feet at low tide, enabling the largest ocean-going vessels to 
load at all times of the year. Extending from the product tanks to the 
docks are seven pipe-lines, enabling vessels to load with five thousand 
barrels of any one product in an hour. All parts of the refinery are con- 
nected with the wharf by a narrow-gauge railway. 

Some idea of the vast amount of work that has been done is gained 
from the fact that over four hundred thousand cubic feet of earth has 
been excavated for the erection of tanks, buildings, and the construction 
of roads. About seven thousand cubic feet of concrete has been laid 
dowm for the foundations of buildings. Upward of four miles of maca- 
damized roads extend to all parts of the large tract, and over forty 
miles of pipe-line has been laid to date. 

Starting with a pay-roll of three thousand dollars a month in Decem- 
ber, 1914, the Shell Oil Company was paying forty-three thousand dol- 



320 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

lars a month in December, 191 5. The pay-roll is doubtless much larger 
now, with the addition of many skilled men to operate the plant. 

Just east of the city, at the terminus of a 275-mile pipe-line from the 
Kern-Midway field near Bakersfield, the refinery of the Associated Oil 
Company is situated. Work is now (in the summer of 1916) being 
pushed forward to double the capacity of the refinery, to take care of its 
rapidly increasing business. The capacity of the new plant will be twen- 
ty-five thousand barrels a day, the refined products including gasoline, 
distillate, kerosene, and benzine. The annual output will be worth about 
three milHon dollars, and the annual pay-roll will approach $150,000. 

The Associated Oil Company has also leased and operates, in con- 
nection with its own plant, the refinery of the American Oriental Oil 
Company at Martinez. 

Another industry of which Martinez is proud is the Mountain Copper 
Company, situated about a mile and a half northeast, just beyond the 
city limits, occupying Bullshead Point, on the shore of Suisun Bay. 
Here one beholds an immense chimney, surrounded by factory build- 
ings. An immense sign, large enough to be read miles away, bears the 
name "Mococo," by which the community is known. The title was de- 
rived from the first two letters of each of the words Mountain Copper 
Company. This institution, which is largely controlled by English cap- 
ital and which operates entirely in CaHfornia, has been in existence 
since 1894. Since that year it has operated four copper mines in Shasta 
County, including the famous Iron Mountain mine, from which twenty 
million dollars' worth of copper was taken before it showed signs of be- 
ing exhausted, when other mines were developed to take its place. The 
company now smelts all its ores at the Mococo plant, established in 1905. 
A smelter at Keswick, in Shasta County, was abandoned in 1907, and a 
similar plant in New Jersey was closed down in 1906, it being found 
more economical and satisfactory in every way to perform all the work 
at the local plant. To accomplish this the establishment runs day and 
night the year round. 

The product from the mines is divided into two classes, known as 
siliceous ore and sulphide ore. The former carries about three per cent 
of copper and the latter is rich in sulphuric acid. The siliceous ore is 
melted, and from it is extracted blister copper, which is molded into 
"pigs" weighing two hundred and forty pounds each. The sulphide ore 



MARTINEZ 321 

is shipped to the various manufacturers of sulphuric acid on the Pacific 
Coast, including the Standard Oil Company, the General Chemical 
Company, and the Du Pont Powder Company. After roasting out the 
sulphur, the residue, containing about one per cent of copper and a 
small amount of gold and silver, is returned to the Mountain Copper 
Company. The company also has its own sulphuric-acid plant, utilizing 
the sulphur from the Iron Mountain ore. 

Of growing interest to California agriculturists is the superior qual- 
ity of fertilizer which Mococo plant turns out from its by-products. It 
is commercially known as superphosphate, and is the basis of all mixed 
fertilizers. The plant is capable of manufacturing* about thirty thou- 
sand tons of fertilizer a year. Owing to the fertility of California's soil, 
agriculturists in the past have used very little fertilizer, but it is com- 
ing more and more into use, especially by the far-sighted and scientific 
farmers. According to T. B. Smith, the superintendent of the company, 
*'the State of California at present uses only from forty thousand to 
fifty thousand tons of fertilizer a year, while some smaller States back 
East use from seven hundred thousand to eight hundred thousand 
tons ; but they'll all have to come to it." The company's holdings cover 
fifty-five acres of highland and twenty-five acres of marsh. The smelter 
has a capacity of four hundred tons of ore a day, or a monthly output 
of five hundred tons of blister copper. The heat is contributed by three 
immense reverberating furnaces, the largest of which consumes ninety- 
three hundred gallons of fuel-oil a day, the other two requiring seven 
thousand gallons each. Copper smelting takes place at a temperature of 
thirteen hundred degrees centigrade, and the process requires the high- 
est degree of accuracy. An error of five minutes over or under would 
spoil an entire batch, but such a mistake has not occurred in six years. 
A foreman, who is a master in his line, is always on the watch. The 
various products are valued at two and a quarter million dollars an- 
nually, and the yearly pay-roll is nearly half a million dollars, four hun- 
dred men being employed. 

The operations are conducted in such a manner that no injurious 
odors are released, and this condition permits the most luxurious plant 
life to flourish about the grounds. Here are found a variety of fruits, 
banks of poppies and lupine, and even a field of hay. It is asserted that 
a similar sight will not be found at any other smelter in the world. 



322 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Martinez has numerous other commercial and industrial interests, of 
which time and space forbid more than a brief mention. These include 
one distinctly home product, the Stephenson patent cooler, manufac- 
tured by the L. Anderson Lumber Company. The device is an iceless 
cooler, a great boon to housewives, enabling them to keep vegetables, 
meats, and cooked foods from one meal to another with none of the in- 
conveniences of a refrigerator. There is also a great demand for it 
among dairymen. The secret of the cooler, which resembles an ordinary 
cupboard, is in its burlap side-walls, a water-pan beneath, and tubes for 
the circulation of air. In a room at a temperature of ninety degrees, the 
thermometer in the cooler stands at sixty degrees. E. J. Randall, a resi- 
dent of Concord, is the manager of the company. He gives the sales his 
personal attention, and states that the cooler now sells in many States 
of the Union, and even as far away as Cuba. It has never been neces- 
sary to employ a road salesman, as the demand has kept the plant run- 
ning to full capacity. About fifteen hundred were manufactured last 
year. The Anderson Company also operates a complete lumber yard, 
and is one of the oldest lumber and building-material concerns in the 
section. 

Another long-established business institution is the J. E. Colton Win- 
ery on West Howard Street. Colton has been engaged in viticulture for 
over twenty years, and has a fine fifty-acre vineyard, half of which is 
devoted to table grapes and half to wine grapes. Aged wines are his 
specialty. Each year over 125,000 gallons of the best quality of dry 
wines is produced, and this finds a ready sale throughout the State. 
The Colton Winery, the largest independent winery in the county, is 
operated under the most sanitary conditions possible. Colton, who is 
serving his first term as city trustee and mayor, is a strong exponent of 
the City Beautiful idea. 

MARTINEZ DEVELOPMENT BOARD 

All the functions of a chamber of commerce are performed by the re- 
cently organized Martinez Development Board, whose membership 
comprises some of the most wide-awake citizens of Martinez. The new 
organization is backed by the business men of the community, and is 
making every effort to enhance the growth of the town and further its 
commercial interests. Judge C. H. Hayden, member of the city council, 



MARTINEZ 323 

is president of the board; O. K. Smith, a prominent official of the 
Mountain Copper Company, is vice-president; Don C. Ray, district 
manager for the Pacific Gas & Electric Company, is secretary ; A. E. 
Dunkel, former county recorder, now head of a large abstract and title 
business, is treasurer. The board of governors consists of the following 
prominent citizens : J. E. Rodgers, R. R. Veale, Hardin Morrow, A. E. 
Blum, E. A. Majors, A. E. Dunkel, B. Schapiro, and C. M. Wooster. 

Although organized late in 191 5, the Martinez Development Board 
carried to a successful conclusion a number of large projects before the 
end of the year. A very important matter which is being ably conducted 
by the Board is that of settling all litigation over landholdings along the 
city water-front, so that there will be no obstruction in the way of 
manufacturing and other interests using this acreage for the future wel- 
fare of Martinez. During the past year (1916) the activities of the 
board have been largely directed toward obtaining a new charter for 
Martinez, in keeping with the larger growth and activities of the muni- 
cipality. The organization is also working diligently in favor of a city- 
owned water supply, improvements in paved streets, and for bond is- 
sues to make these projects possible. 

PUBLIC BUILDINGS 

Among the newer public buildings that reflect great credit on Martinez 
is the county hospital, recently erected at a cost of seventy thousand 
dollars. It is picturesquely situated on a promontory overlooking the 
city proper. Constructed of brick and concrete, the handsome structure 
comprises three stories, made up of two main wings, with a connecting 
bridge, or corridor. The surounding grounds are maintained in a man- 
ner quite in keeping with the dignity and beauty of the edifice. Here a 
skilled staff of physicians and surgeons ministers to the unfortunate and 
suffering in a most competent and efficient manner. 

The new city hall is located in the heart of town. In this building are 
conducted all the municipal affairs which are now administered at the 
courthouse. 

Most impressive of all the public buildings of Martinez is the court- 
house, which was erected in 1901, at a cost of six hundred thousand 
dollars. It comprises two full stories and a basement, granite and con- 
crete being used in its construction. The whole is topped by a magnifi- 



324 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



cent dome that lends the appearance of a capitol building. One is equally 
impressed with the interior, all of the offices being handsomely equipped 
with Oriental rugs and mission furniture, the equal of which is seldom 
found in a building of this kind. 

Martinez became the county seat in 1851, and such it has remained 
ever since. The present county officials are as follows: Superior judges, 
R. H. Latimer and A. B. McKenzie, both of Martinez ; supervisors, 
Zeb Knott, of Richmond, J. P. Casey, of Port Costa, Vincent Hook, of 
Concord, W. J. Buchanan, of Pittsburg, and J. H. Trythall, of Antioch ; 
county clerk, J. H. Wells, of Martinez; district attorney, T. D. John- 
ston, of Martinez ; sheriff, R. R. Veale, of Martinez ; auditor, A. N. Sul- 
lenger, of Martinez; recorder, M. H. Hurley, of Martinez; assessor, 
George O. Meese, of Martinez; tax collector, M. W. Joost, of Mar- 
tinez ; treasurer, J. Rio Baker, of Martinez ; superintendent of schools, 
W. H. Hanlon, of Martinez; coroner, Doctor C. L. Abbott, of Rich- 
mond ; public administrator, C. E. Daley, of Martinez ; surveyor, Ralph 
R. Arnold, of Martinez; superintendent of county hospital, W. H. 
Hough, of Martinez ; county physician, E. W. Merrithew, of Martinez ; 
probation officer, A. J. McMahon, of Martinez ; health officer, W. S. 
George, of Antioch. 

The following miscellaneous items form a part of the history of the 
town of Martinez: Commercial Hotel, Main Street, built in 1892; de- 
stroyed by fire in 1904. County Hospital established in the '90s, new 
brick building built in 1910, and new addition in 191 5. Atchison, Tope- 
ka & Santa Fe line built through in 1891. Courthouse erected in 1901, 
at cost of over $6oo,0(X); Hall of Records proposed directly across 
street, in property acquired several years ago. Fire started August 19, 
1904, in Stephenson patent cooler factory, wiping out two blocks, in- 
cluding the Curry livery stable, the opera-house, the Bank of Martinez, 
the McNamara-Winkelman block, Rankin building, and Commercial 
Hotel. Mountain Copper smelter erected in 1892, employing nearly 300 
men. Bullshead Oil Works, now American Oriental Company, built re- 
finery in 1905. Martinez Electric Light & Gas Works inaugurated in 
1887. Pacific Coast Steel & Iron Manufacturing Company built steel 
works in 1884. Northern Railway Company (Southern Pacific) and San 
Pablo & Tulare Railroad Company built through here in late '70s. 
Shirley & Mizner then sold Martinez-to-Benicia ferry to railroad com- 



MARTINEZ 325 

pany, which closed up the ferry service. Peyton Chemical Works built 
in 1900. California Transportation Company (river steamer line) built 
wharf and began regular service in 1909. Congregational church built 
in 1904, Alhambra water plant established in 1903, bottling water piped 
from Alhambra Springs, six miles out in Alhambra Valley. Under bond 
issue in 191 1 city acquired fifty-five acres of water-front land, and built 
municipal wharf and city hall. Pacific Gas & Electric Company pur- 
chased Contra Costa Electric Light & Power Company in 191 1 and en- 
tered local field. Great Western Power Company came in 191 3. Contra 
Costa Gas Company began service in 191 5. Corporate limits of town ex- 
tended in 1909; second extension attempted in 1916, but failed. Alham- 
bra high-school building erected in 1904, and grammar-school building 
in 1909. Bonds voted for new $51,000 grammar school. 

New home sites opened for settlement in last few years, water mains 
extended, many miles of cement sidewalks laid, electric-lighting system 
extended, new homes built, street paving commenced. 

The Martinez-Benicia ferry was estabUshed in 1913. The State high- 
way is now building from Martinez to Berkeley. The county highway 
connects with tunnel road and Mount Diablo Boulevard and new bay- 
shore highway to Bay Point, bringing Associated Oil Refinery within 
three miles of city. 



CHAPTER XXVI 
RICHMOND 

BY HENRY COLMAN CUTTING 

To SPEAK or write about Richmond in a historical way is exceedingly 
difficult, for as it is a record of achievement from beginning to end, and 
this achievement has been so truly marvelous, it must sound to the un- 
initiated more like romance than history. The old saying that "Truth is 
stranger than fiction" holds good with Richmond, for no fiction writer 
could possibly chronicle one continual chain of big achievements on the 
part of a small city as it grew to large dimensions and show a more 
startling array of fancies than are the true facts and figures concerning 
the growth and accomplishments of the city of Richmond. 

The strategic location of Richmond upon San Francisco Bay, its 
deep-water harbors, its proximity to the metropolis of San Francisco, 
its being the terminal of the Santa Fe Railway and an important ship- 
ping-point for the Southern Pacific Company, two great transconti- 
nental arteries of world-wide commerce, the early location here of the 
great Standard Oil Company with the refining and manufacturing plant 
now grown to be the second largest in the world, are facts enough of 
themselves to convince almost anyone who would make a study of the 
general causes which lead up to the location, establishment, and growth 
of important cities that all of the necessary ingredients are at hand in 
Richmond. 

The fact that San Francisco, the cosmopolitan metropolis and money 
center of the Pacific Coast for the past half century, is situated upon a 
peninsula across the bay several miles from the mainland, and the fur- 
ther fact that Richmond is the only city on the mainland side of this 
greatest bay in America having main-line connections with the through 
railways, and land-locked deep-water harbors where the ships from the 
Orient and all over the world can dock and at once connect with these 
railroads, could bring but one logical conclusion to the student of city 
building who realized these facts and then took a glance into the prob- 



RICHMOND 327 

able future. This conclusion must be that as the Pacific Coast grew and 
expanded commercially and in population a great manufacturing and 
shipping port had in time to spring up and grow into importance, just 
as Richmond is now doing, and in part has already done. 

Unquestionably the expert financiers and heads of departments of 
the Standard Oil Company had all these facts in view when its monster 
refinery was located at Richmond instead of at Oakland, San Fran- 
cisco, or elsewhere, and many other immense manufacturing concerns, 
such as the Pullman car shops, which have located at Richmond since 
then, had these facts well in mind. 

I had these facts in view when I purchased years ago a large tract of 
land along the southern water-front of Richmond, adjacent to its har- 
bors, instead of acquiring land farther inland, where the first units of 
the city would quite likely grow up into commercial activity before the 
water-front sections. I builded for the future, and am still so building, 
and have never had the slightest reason for beUeving that the logic 
mapped out in the first place was not correct. In fact recent great de- 
velopments have proven this logic beyond all cavil or possibility of er- 
ror. What all great maritime cities of the world are to their respective 
localities, Richmond is destined to be to the San Francisco Bay region, 
and its truly marvelous achievement up to this time, during its as yet 
very short period of existence, is absolute and positive proof of this. 

So rapid has been this growth that it is not equaled by any other city 
in the West, and not surpassed by any in America. This has given 
Richmond the nicknames of "The Wonder City" and "The Pittsburg of 
the West," and has already made it known all over this country and in 
many foreign lands. 

Fifteen years ago there was no Richmond — nothing but a few grain 
and grass ranches inland and barren hills and marshlands along the wa- 
ter-fronts. Today, as this is written, Richmond boasts of a population 
approximating 23,000 inhabitants, a tonnage of manufacturing products 
shipping second in all CaHfornia, and a commercial activity and pros- 
perity of which it may well be exceedingly proud. 

In the recording of history it is also permissible, to a small degree at 
least, to prophesy the future, basing it upon the facts of the history of 
the past, and that I shall here do briefly, in order that future historians 
may not only record facts but verify the prophecy. 



328 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

My prophecy of the future greatness of Richmond as an important 
ocean and railroad shipping port is based upon substantial facts in the 
history of every other great maritime city, and is not guesswork in the 
slightest. 

These historical facts made Broadway the great business thorough- 
fare of New York, the intersection of Market and Broad streets the 
business center of Philadelphia, and Market Street the big business 
avenue of San Francisco. The map of California and Nevada shows 
this San Francisco Bay region as the gateway of the vast central val- 
leys drained by the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, each stream 
navigable for many miles through a rich, populous, rapidly developing 
territory beyond which lies the great mineral, timber, stock and other 
wealth of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and beyond them the vast min- 
eral and grazing wealth of the State of Nevada. The San Francisco Bay 
cities form the gateway, and the only gateway, of this vast and wonder- 
fully productive area, connecting it with the commerce of the world. 
This gateway was not made by man, but by nature, and man cannot 
change it. 

A glance at the map shows a practically impassable range of moun- 
tains raising its great bulk as a barrier against transportation, and ex- 
tending north to the Columbia River, the northern boundary of Oregon, 
compelling the commerce of northern California, Nevada, and even 
eastern Oregon to seek this San Francisco Bay region for an outlet, and 
the only outlet, to the outer world. To the south another portion of the 
same range of mountains reaches an arm around the greatest oil-fields 
in the world and the San Joaquin Valley, blocking the commerce of that 
vast and productive region from seeking any other gateway than this 
bay region also. This is proven by the fact that when the Standard Oil 
Company built its pipe-line from the great oil-fields to its refinery it 
was compelled by these barriers to come three hundred miles to Rich- 
mond for deep-water harbors, when Santa Barbara is but eighty miles 
from the oil-fields and San Pedro but one hundred and twenty miles. 
Thus we see that Richmond, with its deep-water harbors and connection 
with the transcontinental railroads, is the logical and practically the 
only gateway for the largest and richest area on the Pacific Coast, on 
the only harbors worthy of mention between Astoria on the north and 
San Pedro on the south, a distance of approximately one thousand 
miles — and nature will not permit of a rival within this territory. 





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RICHMOND 329 

As one fact worthy of note, it may also be mentioned that already 
this San Francisco Bay region, with Richmond its only east-bay harbor 
city, already shows bank clearings exceeding those of all other Pacific 
Coast cities combined, including Vancouver and Victoria in British Col- 
umbia, by fifty million dollars a week, and indicating clearly that this 
business field is worth just that much more than all the rest of the busi- 
ness fields put together, from Mexico to the Arctic Circle. 

These are only a few of the reasons which have given to Richmond 
an investment in manufacturing enterprises of over fifty million dol- 
lars, and have given to its workmen a pay-roll of nearly a million a 
month. There are many other good reasons which the space allotted to 
this article will not permit of enumeration. 

Richmond, situated on the northeastern side of a low range of hills 
forming the headland of a broad peninsula projecting from the east (or 
mainland) shore of San Francisco Bay, divides the bay into two sec- 
tions. The northern section, known as San Pablo Bay in its main por- 
tion, and Suisun Bay in its upper portion, is the connecting link between 
San Francisco Bay and the great interior waterways that teem with the 
commerce of all central California. Every bit of this commerce must 
pass Richmond's door before it can reach any other point on the bay or 
get to the outside world. 

The United States Government chart of San Francisco Bay shows 
that the headland of the peninsula on which Richmond is located is six 
miles long, extending from Point San Pablo at the north to Point Po- 
trero at the south. This headland faces a natural deep-water channel for 
its entire length. The channel varies in depth from ninety feet at the 
northern end to eighteen feet off the southern shore. The channel is di- 
rectly against the northern shore of this headland and diverges slowly 
until at the extreme southern end the deep-water line is about a mile off 
shore. Thus while no wharfing out is required at Point San Pablo, a 
short wharf will reach deep water at any point in the whole six miles. 

It was this six miles of deep water which induced the Santa Fe Rail- 
way to select Richmond as its western terminal in 1899-1900. The 
Standard Oil Company soon followed, locating its great refinery in 
1902. This was quickly followed by other large manufacturing indus- 
tries, and this record is still going on, one of the largest concerns of the 
kind in the country, the General Roofing Company, having just com- 



330 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



pleted a very large factory here during the year 191 6, and others are 
now negotiating so to do. Among the largest of the earlier locations 
was that of the California Wine Association's immense winery, one of 
the most extensive in the world, operated by one of California's largest 
corporations. 

The first water shipping in Contra Costa County (or in Richmond) 
had its headquarters, back in the '50s, at the old Ellis Landing. Previous 
thereto it was the burial ground for ages untold of prehistoric man. Sci- 
entists from all over the world have known and studied the Ellis Shell 
Mound ; their researches unearthed many relics of value before making 
way for modern improvements. 

After the rush of 1849 Captain George Ellis began operating schoon- 
ers between Ellis Landing and San Francisco. He delivered hay and 
grain from the rich fields of Contra Costa County to the new city of San 
Francisco. In those days the channel ran from San Francisco, past Ellis 
Landing, to San Pablo Bay, through the present site of the Standard 
Oil Refinery. The Potrero Hills formed an island, subject to government 
occupancy. Later on the channel was closed, which made this section 
part of the mainland. 

In 1859 Captain George EUis (after whom the landing was named) 
acquired the property. He operated two schooners, the '"Sierra" and the 
'"Mystery," carrying produce and freight between the landing and San 
Francisco. The late John Nystrom, one of Richmond's most respected 
public men, was the manager of the landing at that time. Upon the de- 
mise of Captain George Ellis, his children inherited the property. The 
old Ellis home, with ninety acres of harbor property, was purchased 
from George Ellis and his sister, Selena Ellis, by the present owners, the 
Ellis Landing & Dock Company, of which M. Emanuel is president. 

A great inner harbor became imperative for the future growth of the 
bustling young city of Richmond, and this was the logical center. At 
tremendous expense, the Ellis Landing & Dock Company is improving 
this ground to make it worthy of the position it occupies as the front 
door of this great industrial city. 

Nature's invaluable gift of deep water close to shore, together with 
the great transcontinental railroads, an ever-flowing supply of cheap 
fuel oil, and ample electric power, gives Richmond overwhelming trade 
advantages. Add to these the ship canal and inner harbor now under 



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RICHMOND 331 

construction, an unsurpassable climate, and abundance of land along 
its shores for factory sites, and we have a locality so richly endowed 
that it has attracted and must continue to attract with irresistible 
force the industrial and commercial enterprise not only of this nation 
but of the world. 

A history of Richmond to be anywhere near complete would require 
a larger volume than this history of Contra Costa County, of which 
Richmond is but a part, so necessarily only a few facts can be given 
and these hurriedly handled. 

EARLY PIONEERS 

A few of the old-time settlers w^ho played an important part in the up- 
building of this city should be given brief mention, for they will not be 
here when the next history is written, but their memory and their good 
deeds will live on and on, to be related with veneration to generations! 
now unborn. Among these is the NichoU family, who came to what is 
now Richmond in 1857 from San Leandro, now a suburban town to 
Oakland, arriving there from New York in 1850. John Nicholl, Sr., 
was a stone mason and contractor in Scotland, and later in New Jersey, 
and was actuated in coming to the Far West and the Pacific Coast by a 
desire to acquire land and to partake of the possibilities of a new and 
growing country. John Nicholl, Jr., now known as "The Daddy of 
Richmond," was born at San Leandro, and was brought here when an 
infant, in 1853, where he obtained a common-school education in the 
little country school-house in the village of San Pablo, now a suburb 
of Richmond. As he facetiously remarks, the first map of Richmond 
was engraved not upon blue-prints, but upon the posterior of his over- 
alls by the San Pablo schoolmaster. The father died in 1914, at the good 
old age of 83, leaving a large farm worth about two millions of dollars 
up against the city limits of Richmond. Half of it has been sold in city 
lots and is now an important portion of the city, a fast-building civic 
center, containing the city hall, business blocks, and many fine residen- 
ces. The other half is still sown to waving grain, but by the time this 
book shall become circulated it also will become city lots, and its plows 
and harrows, reapers and binders will give way to the onward rush of 
civilization and commercial activity. The Nicholls bought much land 
among the west hills and along the water-front, and these also have 



332 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

turned into great riches and are all important portions of the city of 
Richmond. Nicholl is considerable of a philanthropist as well as a mil- 
lionaire, and gives liberally to public enterprises and civic upbuilding. 
His latest pet plan is to get the proposed United States Naval Academy 
located at Point Potrero, now Point Nicholl, and at this writing the 
chances of this great governmental enterprise coming to Richmond 
seem bright. 

George H. Barrett at one time owned four hundred and twenty acres 
in what is now the heart of the business district of Richmond. The old 
Barrett homestead was located at what is now Nevin Avenue and Ninth 
Street, where a few of the old fruit-trees still remain. Barrett Avenue, 
one of Richmond's finest thoroughfares, was named for him. He traded 
much of his land to Edson Adams for Oakland property, who in turn 
sold a lot of the Barrett property to A. S. Macdonald, for whom Rich- 
mond's main business thoroughfare — Macdonald Avenue — is named. 
Macdonald later subdivided the land he bought into town lots and the 
same were sold to the public generally by the Richmond Land Company, 
of which George S. Wall is president. At first these lots on Macdonald 
Avenue sold at from $150 to $250 apiece, but today many of them 
would readily bring $10,000 to $20,000 each. 

Another old-timer was Owen Griffins, who owned much land and 
lived in what is now the southern section of the city. His land was sub- 
sequently subdivided into town lots, in what is yet known as the Grif- 
fins & Watruss tract, while part of it was sold to John Nystrom, who in 
turn put out the Nystrom addition to Richmond. Owen Griffins died 
years ago, leaving a son, Ben Griffins, now a prominent attorney at 
law, bank director, wealthy realty owner, and long among the leading 
men of affairs. 

Probably the oldest man in the valley in the early days was Benjamin 
Boorman, who came to what is now Richmond in 1859 from Kansas, 
and is still a resident here at the ripe old age of eighty-five years, hale 
and hearty and able to do a good day's work. Toward the close of the 
year 1916 **Ben" Boorman, as he is affectionately known, went fishing 
along the wharves of the Richmond harbor and landed a large shark, and 
the local and San Francisco papers alluded to the feat as being accom- 
plished by a young fellow of only eighty-five. Boorman was a young 
farmer of twenty-six when he came to this section, and is still at it in 




J>fiu^yt4^Q^^(QLA^-<^.<^^^ 



RICHMOND 333 

some degree. He raised a family of six children here, and now lives at 
2750 Cutting Boulevard, good for many more years yet, enjoying pros- 
perity and the respect and veneration of many thousands of good 
friends. 

Many of the old-timers moved away years ago, before the Richmond 
boom commenced, and have left little or no trail upon which to trace 
them now. Among these is George D. Reynolds, neighboring farmer in 
those olden days to the Nicholls and the Barretts; also Charles May- 
hew, who moved to Oakland and died there years ago. 

Peter Doohng was another of the pioneer settlers. He had a big farm 
in what is now the southern section of Richmond, part of which is still 
intact and belonging to his widow and three sons, James, John, and 
Peter, and two daughters, now married. Among the very valuable hold- 
ings of the Dooling family is twenty acres in the northern part of the 
city, purchased in later years by Mrs. Dooling. This is still being farmed, 
but beautiful home places, apartment-houses, and villas are springing 
up all around it, and it is fated to go the way of all near-by farmland,- 
giving way to macadamized streets, trolley cars, and the rush and roar 
of a modern metropolis. 

Away back in those pioneer days Doctor J. M. Tewksbury came to 
what is now the city of Oakland, and in the early '60s cast his lot among 
the hardy settlers in an uninhabited stretch of new country, whose vel- 
vet verdure was trodden down only by the moccasin of the more or less 
noble red man. The old Tewksbury home place still stands, much the 
worse for the wear of many years, in the northeast part of the city, near 
the little town of San Pablo. He at one time owned seven thousand 
acres in this vicinity, the same being a part of the old Spanish grant. 
Later on this was divided, and Nicholl and others of the early settlers 
bought much of it. Doctor Tewksbury died in the early '70s, leaving 
a widow, a son, Lucio, and a daughter, Eugenia. The son died in 1889. 
Eugenia married an army surgeon named Ware, who died at Panama. 
Later she married William Mintzer. The widow, Emily Tewksbury, 
and her daughter sold fifteen hundred acres of their land to Ben Schapi- 
ro, who subdivided it and put it on the market as lots and villa sites. 
Schapiro is still one of the largest realty dealers of Richmond. They 
also sold off many acres to the Standard Oil Company, to the Santa Fe 
Railway Company, to John Nicholl, and to others. There is still a large 



334 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



tract of land in Richmond known as the Tewksbury estate, and another 
known as the Mintzer estate. Since the coming of the original owners 
in those early days fortunes have been made from that real estate, and 
more fortunes will be made in future. 

Prominent among these pioneer trail-blazers were Juan B. Alvarado, 
now long since passed to his reward, and later on his son, Henry Al- 
varado, today one of Richmond's most prominent attorneys at law. 
Juan Alvarado was governor of California from 1836 to 1842, under 
the olden Mexican regime, and ruled with credit and honor to himself, 
his country, and his constituency. In 1836 the inhabitants of California 
declared it to be a free and independent state, but the project fell 
through for lack of means and power of the sparse population to de- 
fend it sufficiently. The state capitol was then at Monterey, where Gov- 
ernor Alvarado lived during his official terms. During that time he ac- 
quired large and valuable real-estate holdings in San Francisco, in Oak- 
land, and in the village of San Pablo, and after his retirement from 
office the family lived alternately at all these places. Three children were 
born to Governor and Mrs. Alvarado at Monterey, and subsequently 
they moved to Contra Costa County, which at that time included what 
is now Alameda County. This move was made in 1844, and at Oakland 
in 1857 Henry Alvarado was born. The father died at the San Pablo 
home in 1882, aged 73, but today he is ably represented by his son, than 
whom no man stands higher, in the legal profession, financially, socially, 
and in the hearts of the people. 

The Castro family is another monument in memory of those early 
days. Of Spanish origin, they came early to this country, when it was 
under Mexican rule, and owned large holdings of land in this immediate 
section, and at various other sections in this part of California. Patricio 
Castro lives today near the village of San Pablo, now a part of Rich- 
mond, a prosperous farmer and land-owner, at the age of seventy years. 
Before him his father, Victor Castro, owned the land and was among 
the earliest settlers. Victor Castro died in 1898, in the old family resi- 
dence at what is now the county line — the line dividing Contra Costa 
County and Alameda County, but which in those days did not exist, for 
the reason that it was all Contra Costa County. This old family resi- 
dence still stands amid a clump of tall cedars and cypress-trees, and it, 
together with other lands of the Castro estate, is now owned by a 



RICHMOND 335 

daughter of Victor Castro, Mrs. Julia B. Galpin, residing at Piedmont, 
a residential section lying between Berkeley and Richmond. 

Another old-time pioneer resident who should be briefly mentioned in 
any history of Contra Costa County or Richmond is Fred Bouquet, 
early-day blacksmith — the village smithy at San Pablo, now Richmond. 
He came to San Pablo in i860, fifty-seven years ago, and was well 
known and highly honored by the settlers hereabouts in those olden 
days. His son, John Bouquet, resides here yet, and is among the wealthy 
property-owners of the city, being largely interested in several residen- 
tial tracts that he and his associates have subdivided, improved, and 
sold to hundreds of happy and contented citizens. 

One year later than the arrival of Fred Bouquet came the Matoiza 
family to San Pablo, and a large line of descendants and relatives now 
remain as residents in and adjacent to that suburban village. The Matoi- 
zas are well and favorably known all over this county and have held 
many places of high honor and trust. 

There are, of course, many more deserving of mention, but space for- 
bids, so only a few of the earliest settlers have been given mention in this 
article upon Richmond. They blazed the way that we of these later and 
more prosperous and modern days could enjoy the fruits not only of 
our own labor and endeavors but also of theirs. 

A CITY OF CASH 

Probably Richmond's greatest asset is its million-dollar-a-month pay- 
roll, which is disbursed to many thousand of busy toilers in the railroad 
shops and manufacturing establishments. This is all good clean money, 
coming from the outside world and expended, in the main, right at home 
in building up the city in a thousand different ways. 

In nine cases out of ten it is the town or community with the big pay- 
roll that grows into the large and prosperous city, for such towns and 
communities are less affected by local conditions than any others. 

The great Standard Oil Refinery here is employing three thousand 
men at top-notch wages, and pays out in cash to them every two w'eeks 
over $125,000, or $250,000 monthly. The refined product of this im- 
mense industrial plant is shipped out on thousands of trains and hun- 
dreds of ships to all parts of America and the civilized world, so that 
the return in cash comes from China, Japan, England, Australia, Ger- 



336 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

many, France, Russia, and other foreign countries, and goes into imme- 
diate circulation, not only to the army of workmen, but also into con- 
stant enlargement of the plant, now being made into the largest oil re- 
finery in the world. 

The Santa Fe railroad shops have several hundred employees here, 
all of whom are paid first-class wages, and that money comes from the 
great system of railways gridironing the country from Chicago to the 
Pacific Coast — that cash rolls in from people all over America, and is 
expended here in the building of homes and the upbuilding of the com- 
munity. 

The Pullman car-shops employ seven hundred men and women on 
both repair and construction work, and that millionaire corporation 
picks up the cash from the entire traveling public of the United States 
and spends $40,000 a month of it in Richmond to pay its employees, to 
say nothing of the $2,000,000 it has invested in the property and plant. 
The grounds comprise approximately twenty-two acres. Construction 
was started in May, 1910, and shops started operations November 2y^ 
1910. There are two three-story buildings and fourteen single-story 
buildings. Buildings are constructed of steel, brick, and concrete. The 
average number of employees is 525. The shops have a capacity of 
twenty-four stalls, and the output approximates sixty-five cars per 
month. The shop is equipped to handle all classes of work from the 
heaviest to the lightest required to maintain cars in first-class condition. 

The Southern Pacific Company runs eighty-one trains daily to and 
from Richmond, employing hundreds of men and paying them good 
wages ; many of them live and have property interests here and distrib- 
ute their wages around among the local merchants. 

The Western Pipe and Steel Works employs many men, ships its 
products all over the country from San Francisco to the Missouri River, 
from Puget Sound to the Gulf, and the cash is returned to Richmond, 
where it goes into the local markets and channels of trade. 

The Porcelain Works makes fine porcelain ware, which is in great de- 
mand all over America. There are three factories in Richmond, the 
only ones on the Pacific Coast, and about two hundred men are em- 
ployed. 

The smoke rises from the tall chimneys of a dozen other manufactur- 
ing concerns, and the busy hum of industry goes on day and night. 



RICHMOND 337 

Among these may be mentioned the Western Pipe and Steel Works, 
a very large manufacturing industry with a big pay-roll and employing 
upward of one hundred men on an average. 

Richmond Pressed Brick Works furnishes a splendid product in its 
line for the building of Richmond and other towns and cities for hun- 
dreds of miles around. 

Metropolitan Match Factory supplies the trade of this section of Cal- 
ifornia and the west with a grade of matches that are well known all 
over the Pacific Coast. 

The California Cap Works, turning out caps and cartridges day and 
night, furnishes work for a large number of men and women. At this 
writing this industry is especially busy on account of the unusual large 
demand for all kinds of munitions in the European war. 

The latest addition to Richmond's manufacturing industries is the 
General Roofing Factory, which company has another large plant in 
New Jersey. It came to Richmond in 191 6, and now has a plant cover- 
ing several acres in the northern section of the city, with an investment 
of over a million dollars and employing about two hundred men. 

All of the manufacturing industries of Contra Costa County may be 
said to be in a way tributary to Richmond, for the reason that Rich- 
mond is the metropolis and main shipping-port of the county. Among 
these are the following: California Paper Mills, Antioch; California 
Fruit Packers' Association, Oakley; Columbia Steel Company, John- 
son-Laterni Shipyards, Redwood Manufacturing Company, Diamond 
Brick Company, American Fish & Oyster Company, Pittsburg; Gen- 
eral Chemical Company, Nichols ; C. A. Smith Lumber Company, Bay 
Point; Associated Oil Company, Avon; Mountain Copper Company, 
Amierican-Oriental Oil Company, Shell Oil Company, Martinez; Port 
Costa Brewing Company, Brick Works, and Grain Company, Port Cos- 
ta; Selby Smelting & Lead Company, Selby; Union Oil Company, Ole- 
um; Cowell-Portland Cement Company, Cowell; Hercules Powder 
Works, Pinole ; Giant Powder Works, at Giant. 

Some sections have climate, others have industry, and still others 
have cash. Richmond is blessed in the possession of all three. With a 
climate unequaled anywhere in the world, an industry that has built up 
a town in fifteen years of nothing, beginning with a wheat-field and 
ending at this date in a city of 23,000 inhabitants, Richmond is doing a 



338 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

strictly cash business with countries far and near, attracting their 
money as a magnet does steel. 

BANKS 

There are three splendid banking institutions in Richmond — the First 
National Bank, the Bank of Richmond, and the Mechanics Bank, each 
of which has its savings department in connection with its main bus- 
iness. Every one of them is strong financially, backed by ample capital 
and having the confidence of the people. 

PUBLIC UTILITIES 

One of the things of which Richmond is proud, and deservedly so, is 
its street-car system. Starting with a single track between the Standard 
Oil plant and the Southern Pacific depot, the first car was operated in 
July, 1904. The car was an old one of an obsolete type, purchased by the 
infant company from the United Railroads of San Francisco, and has 
long since passed into oblivion, being succeeded by cars of modern de- 
sign. 

The men responsible for the promoting and building of the line first 
known as the East Shore & Suburban Railroad were W. S. Rheem, Qin- 
ton E. Worden, and W. S. Tevis, the late E. A. Gowe, and others. But 
to Colonel Rheem more than to any other belongs the credit for the suc- 
cessful promotion and operation of what has since become one of the 
best-patronized and best-paying semi-interurban lines in the State. 

In January, 1905, the company began the extension of its line from 
the Southern Pacific depot in Richmond to the county line, the work 
being completed and the first car operated over it in May of the same 
year. The same year also saw the completion of the Ohio-Street line, 
which made connections with the main line at Ohio Street and the San- 
ta Fe right of way, but which has since been merged with the A and 
Eighth Street line, which line was completed in 1907. 

The original line between the Southern Pacific depot and the county 
line ran by way of Macdonald and San Pablo avenues, and the com- 
pany in 1905 built a branch line to the town of Stege, connecting with 
the main line at a point which has since been known as Stege Junction. 
In 1908 the company built a line from Macdonald Avenue, starting at 
Twenty-third Street and paralleling the Southern Pacific to Potrero 



RICHMOND 339 

Avenue, where it made connection with the Stege branch, opening up a 
new territory which has been a strong factor, as the Pullman Company 
has erected a mammoth plant, employing hundreds of men, most of 
whom ride back and forth on the cars of this line, which pass directly 
in front of the gates. 

Since the completion of this extension the cars operating between 
Richmond and Oakland are routed that way, that portion of the original 
line from Twenty-third Street to San Pablo Avenue being now a part 
of the San Pablo-East Richmond line, which runs from the town of San 
Pablo to East Richmond, or Grand Canon Park. The line from Mac- 
donald Avenue to the town of San Pablo was built in 1905, and fur- 
nished means of transportation to an enterprising people who had been 
wont to hitch up and make the long drive into Oakland. 

The extension from the junction of Macdonald Avenue to East 
Richmond, completed in 1910, serves a scattered community which is 
rapidly filling up with small homes, creating a consequent increase in 
traffic, and carries during the summer season thousands of persons to 
Grand Cafion Park, a beautiful natural pleasure ground located right at 
the end of the car-line. 

In February, 191 1, the East Shore & Suburban Railroad was pur- 
chased by the United Properties Company, which also absorbed the 
Oakland Traction Company, the California Railways, and the Key 
Route lines, this system becoming known as the San Francisco-Oakland 
Terminal Railways. 

In the spring of 191 2, the United Properties Company, in pursuance 
of its progressive policy, began a series of improvements, chief of which 
was the double-tracking of San Pablo and Potrero avenues from the 
county line to Pullman, completed that year, the laying of track on 
Ashland Avenue and the improvement of that thoroughfare, the com- 
pletion of which necessitated the removal of the original line, which 
was laid on the Santa Fe right of way. In 1914 the double-tracking and 
macadamizing of Macdonald Avenue in Richmond was completed. 

Where a few years ago there was a twenty-minute service to Oak- 
land, with a change of cars at the county line, requiring an hour and 
ten minutes to make the trip, there is now a ten-minute through ser- 
vice, which is accomplished in forty-five minutes. 

T. S. Walker was the first superintendent, holding that position until 



340 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



March, 1906, being succeeded by C. H. Robinson, formerly of the 
United Railroads of San Francisco, who resigned January i, 1912. His 
successor, C. F. Donnelly, also formerly connected with the United 
Railroads, is still in charge of the Richmond division, and his capable 
management and genial manner have been strong factors in cementing 
the friendly relations between the company and the people it serves. 

From a small beginning the business of the Western States Gas & 
Electric Company in Richmond has increased wonderfully. At the pres- 
ent time it operates in the territory comprising Richmond, Stege, Pull- 
man, San Pablo, and Rust, and has approximately one hundred miles of 
distributing lines, a modern plant, and all the latest improved machinery 
for supplying an up-to-date service to the city and its annexed and sur- 
rounding territory. 

The Pacific Gas & Electric Company is another large corporation of 
the city of Richmond, supplying the community with gas for cooking 
and heating. The lines of this company also bring electric power to 
Richmond, where it is wholesaled to others. 

The People's Water Company has been supplying Richmond and vi- 
cinity with an ample supply of water for domestic and municipal use 
for some years. At this writing the company is expending $2,000,000 in 
the construction of a concrete dam on San Pablo Creek back of Rich- 
mond, with a capacity of 20,000,000,000 gallons. 

RICHMOND SCHOOLS 

As soon as Richmond's little dot began to appear on the map of Califor- 
nia an effort was made to provide ample school facilities. And as the 
city grew by leaps and bounds, the same effort to keep the school sys- 
tem apace with its growth continued. From the little ungraded school of 
but a few years ago, with one teacher, there is now a city school sys- 
tem with a corps of nearly half a hundred instructors, and a high school 
with a corps of nearly a score. 

To provide buildings and equipment for such an Institution within a 
period of fifteen years was in itself a stupendous task. However, the 
issue was met, and Richmond now has a high-school building costing 
$95,000, besides five grammar and elementary school buildings totaling 
in value over a quarter of a million dollars, with arrangements and ap- 
pointments most modern in school construction and architecture. No 



RICHMOND 341 

city of its size in the West excels Richmond in the excellency of mod- 
ern schools. 

It has been the aim of those in charge of the school department of 
Richmond to make it one of the strongest feaures of the city — to make 
those who have selected Richmond for their future home feel that in 
doing so they have not deprived their children of educational advan- 
tages. They have endeavored to be progressive and to adopt such of the 
modern advances in education as experience has justified, and to avoid 
such fads and fancies as are always springing up in all lines of en- 
deavor. 

RICHMOND CHURCHES 

Having broken all records of cities of its age and size in the way of 
building up a splendid public-school system, sparing neither time nor 
money in the accomplishment of great results, Richmond turned its at- 
tention to no small extent in building up and helping out its churches, 
its ministry, and its church workers, and the results show that the city 
heeds its spiritual welfare as well as the education of its children and 
the commercial success of its enterprises. 

The city now has within its limits fourteen church organizations, as 
follows: Two Methodist, three Roman Catholic, two Baptist, one 
Christian, one Presbyterian, one Christian Science, one Episcopal, one 
German Lutheran, one Unitarian, and one Congregational. 

All of the churches of Richmond are increasing in membership and 
influence, and all have flourishing Sunday-schools, young peoples' so- 
cieties, men's Bible classes, and other auxiliary organizations, in which 
are enrolled a large number of the leading influential business men of 
the city. All have strong boards of trustees, and all have splendid work- 
ing societies among the women of the church world. 

The missionary organizations of the various churches are also good 
workers in the Lord's vineyard. The salaries and current expenses paid 
by the church organizations of Richmond amount to over two thousand 
dollars monthly. 

Richmond is justly proud of her churches and her clergy. Where 
strangers are looking for homes where churches and schools are among 
the leading factors in the life of a city, Richmond bids them enter her 
open door. 



342 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

In the past few years wonderful strides have been taken in the up- 
building of the churches and the church work, and the future is bright 
with promise of a continuation of this work so necessary to the life and 
the welfare of all mankind. 

SOCIAL AND FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS 

Of secret society organizations and civic and social clubs, Richmond 
has its full quota, there being no less than thirty of such institutions, all 
enjoying a good membership and financial prosperity. All the main se- 
cret societies are represented, and two of them — the Elks and Knights 
of Pythias — own their buildings. Both of these are imposing structures 
and modern in every way. The Elks building cost over eighty thousand 
dollars. 

There are two leading women's club organizations — the Richmond 
Club and the West Side Women's Improvement Club. The former owns 
its own club building, a magnificent two-story structure, and the latter 
plans to build this year (1917). In addition to these are numerous civic 
improvement clubs and women's auxiliaries of the same, the Grand 
Army of the Republic, and the Women's Circle of the G. A. R. 

This would not be complete without mention of the Native Sons and 
Daughters, both of which have strong organizations here. 

EVOLUTION OF JOURNALISM IN RICHMOND 

The editor is under obligations to Juan L. Kennon, an old-time printer 
and newspaper man of Richmond, for much of the data contained in 
this article. Kennon was connected with the early-day Record, and fol- 
lowed its career for many years, later establishing a job-printing plant 
of his own, which was purchased in 1916 by the writer and merged into 
the Daily News plant. Later Kennon was foreman of the News, but to- 
ward the end of 1916, owing to failing health, he was forced to retire 
from all active work and business. 

The history of Richmond's newspapers is as interesting as the history 
of the city. Richmond's present greatness is, in a measure, due to the 
indefatigable efforts of those who came here in early days and started 
the first newspaper, together with those who have entered the field in 
later years. 

It was on the 7th of July, 1900, that the Record, a weekly publication 
at that time, made its initial bow to the then sparse population of this 



RICHMOND 343 

municipality. Lyman Naugle, the pioneer newspaper man of Richmond, 
came to what was then only a small community of some 250 inhabitants 
and cast his lot with what his prophetic vision told him would some day 
become one of the principal industrial communities of the Pacific Coast. 
He had a small printing outfit, which consisted of a few cases of type 
and an Army press ; the press could have been conveniently carried un- 
der one's arm without much difficulty. He rented a small room near 
Wanske's saloon, on what is now Barrett Avenue. In those days the 
Record office faced on the county road. 

The first issue of the paper was six columns in width and was set by 
hand, as were many other subsequent issues of the Record. Richmond 
had no post-office in those days and the first issue of the paper was 
mailed at Stege post-office. In the first issue Editor Naugle had this to 
say relative to the lack of post-office facilities : "We are looking every 
day for the establishment of our post-office. The demand for mail fa- 
cilities is very pressing. It is to be hoped the department will not keep 
us waiting very long. This issue of the Record will have to be mailed 
at Stege, as well as all future issues until we get a post-office." 

It may not be amiss to retrogress a little in order to explain that the 
original town-site in this vicinity was called Point Richmond, and took 
in that district now bounded by the property of the Santa Fe Railway 
Company, Barrett Avenue east as far as Sixth Street, and the lands 
lying north between First and Sixth streets. This was the original town 
of Point Richmond. Subsequently the John NichoU Company laid out 
what was then known as the First, Second, and Third additions to the 
town of Richmond. WiUiam Mintzer afterward subdivided what is 
now known as the Fourth addition to the city of Richmond. The John 
Nicholl and the Mintzer holdings were included in what is now known 
as the Point, or west side. 

Naugle issued the Record regularly every week for several months in 
his location on Barrett Avenue, and the paper was mailed regularly at 
Stege. The department finally gave Richmond a post-office and Lyman 
Naugle was appointed as the first postmaster. He combined the duties 
of attending to the mail for the Government with the editing of his 
newspaper. As the Point began to show signs of growth, Naugle con- 
ceived the idea of moving over to the west side. He packed the post- 
office up in a soap-box and with his small plant opened an office on 



344 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Richmond Avenue, near the present location of the Bank of Richmond. 

The next day after moving a United States post-office inspector ar- 
rived in town, and he gave Editor Naugle just thirty minutes to move 
the post-office back to its original location. It is needless to add that 
Naugle lost no time in complying with the demand of Uncle Sam's rep- 
resentative, and he had time to spare at the end of the job. 

Although the post-office was moved, Naugle remained with the plant 
in his new location. Steps were immediately taken to induce the Gov- 
ernment to establish a new post-office. After several months the Point 
people secured a post-office and it was named "Eastyard, California," in 
order that there would be no conflict in names. 

We herewith reproduce the editor of the Record's salutatory from the 
first issue of this paper : "The Record is glad to look the people of Rich- 
mond and Contra Costa County in the face. It makes no pretense of 
greatness. It is very humble. Point Richmond is yet but a budding vil- 
lage, but its future is bright and the Record will keep pace with its prog- 
ress. The mission of the Record will be to record the local news, to 
write a history in weekly installments of the growth and grandeur of 
this community. The Record is not in politics. More important and more 
material affairs claim its attention at the present time. It will throw its 
weight toward building up a little city here that will honor its neigh- 
bors on either side. It solicits the patronage of every resident of the val- 
ley and of everyone interested in building up Point Richmond. Every 
one who lives here will take it, and it will be indispensable to those who 
own property here and live elsewhere. It will faithfully report the 
progress of the town and strive to be enterprising and truthful. The 
Record would love to visit the homes of San Pablo, Stege, and Schmidt- 
ville, our neighbors on either side, and to this end will have representsl- 
tives at these places to furnish the local news. It is the only newspaper* 
between Berkeley and Pinole. It lays claim to all that territory and will 
endeavor to merit support therein." 

The daily edition of the Richmond Record was launched on February 
8, 1902. Lyman Naugle continued as editor. Frank Hull, the present 
managing editor of The Record-Herald, was its first city editor. The 
writer laid out the first forms and made the first issue of the paper tip 
for the press. 

The Record was several years afterward moved to the east side. In 



RICHMOND 345 

1910 J. L. Kennon established the Weekly Herald. Subsequently the 
Herald was merged with the Record, hence the hyphenated title, Rec- 
ord-Herald. 

The Richmond Daily Leader was established by G. A. Milnes in 
Richmond in March, 1902. That paper's first editor and business man- 
ager was B. J. Baker, now a prominent official of Imperial County. In 
the fall of 191 1 F. J. Hulaniski, the editor of this history, moved to 
Richmond from San Francisco, and took editorial and business manage- 
ment of the Daily Leader for Milnes, the owner, and, finding that the 
business did not warant the pubHcation of three daily newspapers in 
Richmond at that time, it was upon his advice that a consolidation was 
aflfected between the Daily Leader and the Daily Record-Herald in 
March, 191 2, and he became editor of the consolidated publication, and 
so remained for three years, during which time he established the Con- 
tra Costan, a weekly publication which is still being issued from the 
office of the Record-Herald. 

In August, 1914, the writer established the Thinkograph Magazine, a 
publication intended for national scope, the same being to a certain ex- 
tent along similar lines of Elbert Hubbard's famous Philistine. The 
Thinkograph was published in San Francisco for two years, and in 
1916 was moved to Richmond, at the same time this writer became ed- 
itor and manager of the Richmond News, and is still being published at 
the News office. The Thinkograph has achieved a semi-national reputa- 
tion, being handled by the news companies pretty generally throughout 
the United States. 

About the time that the first issue of the Daily Record was issued 
from the press, a portly gentleman entered the Record office one even- 
ing and stated that he wanted a job. He was not particular about the 
work, he said, but was willing to do anything to make an honest living. 
He had been a schoolteacher and had also practiced medicine. That man 
was Warren B. Brown. He was given a job soliciting subscribers for the 
new daily. 

Later Brown established the Santa Fe Times in what is now the Santa 
Fe district. Subsequently Editor Brown moved his plant to the vicinity 
of Macdonald Avenue and published the Terminal, which paper is still 
doing business in Richmond. The Terminal, under Warren Brown's 
management, accomplished much good for the then growing town of 



346 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Richmond. The present editor and manajjer of the Terminal, George 
Ryan, assumed charge of the paper in 1914, Doctor Brown retiring 
from the field after a successful and honorable career as editor of one 
of Richmond's newspapers. He died and passed to his reward in 1916. 

The Richmond Daily Independent was established in Richmond in 
1910 by I. N. Foss and M. J. Beaumont. The latter had managed the 
Leader for several years, having succeeded to that position after the re- 
tirement of W. H. Marsh. L N. Foss, who was at that time editor of the 
Leader, joined with Beaumont, a stock company was formed, and the 
Independent became a reality in the newspaper field of this city. It is 
still one of the flourishing daily papers of Richmond, under the direc- 
tion of John F. Galvin, a newspaper man well known in this section of 
California. 

The newspaper graveyard in Richmond is still quite small. Of the 
papers suspended may be mentioned the Daily Leader, a small semi- 
weekly called the Tribune, established in 1903 by a San Francisco jour- 
nalist, and a weekly called the Messenger. The latter was printed in San 
Francisco and circulated in Richmond. Neither the Tribune nor the 
Messenger lasted more than a few months before they finally rested in 
the journalistic cemetery. 

The Daily News was established in January, 1 914, by the Daily News 
Company, incorporated, which company was organized by the various 
labor organizations of Richmond, numbering twenty local bodies, with 
a membership of approximately two thousand. The News was a phe- 
nomenal success for the first year of its career, being backed by the la- 
bor element of the city, which is very large and strong, Richmond be- 
ing pre-eminently a wage-earning and pay-roll community, with the 
bulk of its male population affiliated in the ranks of organized labor. 
The News, however, in time began to strike upon the rocks and shoals 
always inevitable when a newspaper is controlled by any element or 
class of society lacking that experience in the business which is abso- 
lutely necessary for its success The board of directors of the new pub- 
lishing company were skilled artisans in their various trades and call- 
ings, but knew next to nothing about the newspaper business and the 
many ins and outs mastered only after long experience and by the best 
abilities of men skilled in journalism, politics, and public policies, as 
well as in the mechanical intricacies of the printing trade. Political con- 



RICHMOND 



347 



troversies brought about libel suits, damage suits, and bad blood, with 
the result that financial difficulties naturally followed. The venture as a 
daily newspaper lost a large sum of money for the stockholders, and in 
March, 191 6, the paper was reduced to a weekly publication. Financial 
reverses contineud to follow, and in April, 1916, this writer took over 
the whole combination and assumed the editorial and business manage- 
ment of the paper. In August of the same year he bought it outright 
from the company, organized the Richmond Printing & Publishing 
Company, and in January, 1917, resumed daily publication of the paper. 
That same month it was made the official paper by the authorities of the 
city of Richmond, and the Daily News at this writing is again upon a 
sound financial and business basis. 

It might not be amiss to tell of some of the early experiences of those 
who came to Richmond and entered into the newspaper game. At the 
time the Record was launched as a daily it became necessary to discard 
the hand-press and install a cylinder press. The editor secured an old 
plant at Nevada City and had it shipped to Richmond. The cylinder 
press, which had done duty at the former place for many years, was un- 
packed from the barley-sacks and assembled. At that time H. B. Kinney 
had installed a small electric-light plant in the city, but the concern did 
not operate in the daytime. It became necessary to rig up levers on the 
big press, and in this manner the paper was issued regularly until the 
town grew large enough to justify a day electric service. 

At one time a pugilist came over from San Francisco to fight a local 
pug, and he was induced to do his three weeks' training in the Record 
office. He was a godsend for the Record force during the three weeks 
that he sweat and grunted grinding out the daily edition of the paper. 
It may be needless to add that the pugilist who so kindly served the 
Record force was knocked out in the third round by his antagonist. 

The tribulations of the Record force in the early days of the town 
were many. The failure of the ''ghost to walk" was a trivial matter com- 
pared to the work of getting out the paper with two feet of water in the 
shop during rainy weather. The Record had moved into its own build- 
ing, now the Bank of Richmond, and the paper was published in the 
basement. The water was in the habit of coming in in torrents when- 
ever it rained, and in those years it used to rain every day throughout 
the winter. The mechanical force was divided into shifts and the office 



348 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

was bailed out with buckets. The editor provided rubber boots for the 
printers, and the paper never missed an issue. The main trouble was in 
keeping the water down below the level of the bed of the press. Two 
lady compositors, who set the type by hand, were carried by the men on 
the force to their stools, where they perched above the water and waves 
beneath them. After a while the Record became more prosperous, and a 
gasoline engine was purchased. This proved to be less reliable than the 
pugilist who so faithfully ground out the few hundreds of copies of the 
paper. The engine used to have a habit of going on a strike occasionally, 
when the hand process of issuing the paper was again resorted to. 

At the time Doctor Brown published the initial issue of his paper he 
had no press and secured the loan of the Record machinery. He had 
his forms made up in Santa Fe and hauled over to the Record shop at 
the Point. The man who undertook the contract of delivering the forms 
did not know what a delicate job he had on his hands, and proceeded to 
handle the type pages as he would sacks of coal. The result was that the 
Times did not issue that week. The forms were "pied" in the street on 
Washington Avenue, and Doctor Brown secured some sieves and re- 
covered his type from the fourteen inches of dust. 

The journalistic history of Richmond is interesting and contains 
much of the strenuosity and characteristics .of the upbuilding of the 
city in all other lines of endeavor. There are now three daily newspa- 
pers representing fairly well a little city of the size and capabilities of 
Richmond — the Record Herald and the Independent in the evening 
field, and the Daily News in the morning field, with the Terminal, a 
weekly publication, also in a state of more or less active journalistic 
eruption — and it is to the credit of the city of Richmond that this num- 
ber of publications can obtain support sufficient to maintain them in a 
creditable amount of excellency. 

MANUFACTURING AND PAYROLL 

The following is a partial list of industries now in operation in Rich- 
mond and their monthly payroll. From this list many small industries 
are omitted. 

Manufactory Investment Pay-roll 

Standard Oil Company $15,000,000 $200,000 

Pullman Car Shops 2,000,000 75,ooo 



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RICHMOND 349 

Manufactory Investment Pay-roll 

California Wine Association $3,500,000 $15,000 

S. F.-Oakland Terminal Railway .... 2,500,000 20,000 

Healy-Tibbitts Co 150,000 4,000 

S. F. Quarries Co 200,000 4,500 

Santa Fe Railway 4.000,000 75, 000 

Southern Pacific Co 1,500,000 10,000 

Metropolitan Match Co 1,000,000 2,500 

Pacific Gas & Elec. Co 500,000 3,000 

Western States Gas & Elec. Co 750,000 4,000 

East Bay Water Company 1,000,000 3,000 

Other water companies 100,000 1,000 

Great Western Power Co 50,000 500 

California Cap Co 200,000 7>50O 

Richmond Pressed Brick Works .... 200,000 2,500 

Western Pipe & Steel Co 1,000,000 5,000 

Tilden Lumber Co 100,000 2,000 

Stege Lumber & Hardware Co 25,000 1,500 

Pacific Porcelain Ware Co. (three plants) . 500,000 6,000 

Richmond Belt Line Railway 100,000 1,000 

Santa Fe Foundry Co 50,000 1,500 

Richmond Navigation Co 25,000 1,000 

Ludewig Markets 100,000 1,500 

General Roofing Company 500,000 20,000 

Richmond Knitting Factory 100,000 

Capital Art Metal Works 100,000 

Sundry factories 200,000 30,000 

MYSTERY OF THE SHELL MOUNDS 

The many and extensive shell deposits, or "Indian mounds," existing 
all along the Gulf and Pacific Coast have greatly excited the curiosity 
of people newly arrived in the country, and especially those of an edu- 
cational turn of mind. The reason for the existence of such mounds has 
been sought for without much satisfaction. The theory most generally 
accepted is that the Indian tribes spent their winters on the seashore, 
subsisting chiefly on fish and oysters, and the shell banks remain as 
monuments of age-long appetite for crustaceans. 



350 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



Probably the greatest shell mound on the Pacific Coast is at Rich- 
mond, and it has attracted much attention and curiosity for many years. 
Now it is to be entirely removed to make room for modern improve- 
ments along the bay shore, where great activity in the way of shipping 
interests is confidently expected before long. 

Researches were made in this gigantic mound from 1906 to 1908 by 
direction of the University of California, and 146 skeletons were found 
and taken out. Professor Nelson of the university gave an opinion at 
the time that the big Richmond mound was the official burying-place of 
prehistoric men. He estimated that there were over 630 specimens of 
implements, weapons, and ornaments found in the mound by excava- 
tion, consisting of spear points, pottery, charm stones, shell jewelry, 
mortars and pestles, bowls, needles, and similar articles made of stone, 
bone, shell, and baked clay ; also curious whistles were found, made of 
bird bones. 

STANDARD OIL COMPANY'S REFINERY 

A new town was virtually put on the map when the Standard Oil Com- 
pany established its Richmond Refinery. When the company broke 
ground for its plant in 1901 Richmond was a Uttle community of 
scarcely two hundred people. Today it is a thriving city of twenty-three 
thousand inhabitants. 

The steady, normal development of a great manufacturing plant to 
the point where this refinery is today employing twenty-seven hundred 
people, with a monthly pay-roll of two hundred and sixty thousand dol- 
lars, could not but act as a great stimulus to any community. But the 
benefits and the influence of the Richmond Refinery are not to be meas- 
ured by the development of any one town. Rather, might the plant and 
the industry it represents be designated as one of the important factors 
in the recent development of the entire Pacific Coast. 

The establishment of the Richmond Refinery was one of the biggest 
single boosts to manufacturing and home industry in the history of Cali- 
fornia — possibly the biggest. And this because it provided what was so 
badly needed — a means whereby a larger percentage of the output of 
the CaHfornia petroleum fields could be placed on the market at its 
full worth, as refined products instead of as crude oil. To the advantage 
of both consumer and producer, its benefits extend the length of the 
western coasts of two continents, from Nome to Cape Horn; also into 



RICHMOND 351 

Oriental countries. Wherever petroleum products are now marketed on 
the Pacific Coast, they are not Eastern products, but the output of our 
own California fields. 

''But just what is an oil refinery?" some of our readers have asked us. 
"How do you refine oil, and what do you manufacture at Richmond?" 

Briefly, crude oil is a complex mineral compound, and it is the work 
of a refinery to break up this crude material into its constituent parts — 
clarify and treat them, and manufacture them into finished products 
ready for the public's use. The plant at Richmond is one of the largest 
refineries in the world, and manufactures practically all the main prod- 
ucts obtainable from crude oil. The detailed, technical processes by 
which they are obtained can only be hinted at here. 

If you are familiar with Civil War history, you will perhaps recall 
the story of the resourceful ''Johnny Reb," prisoner of war. To vary 
the monotony of confinement and to cater to his appetite for spirituous 
liquor, he built a miniature still out of a coffee-pot. Having filled this 
with corn bread and water, he put it over a hot fire, and as the vapors 
came off caught them in an improvised condenser — an old can soldered 
to the top of the pot. Primitive and miniature as was this improvised 
still, it is illustrative of one of the main processes of oil refining — the 
process of distillation — which in essentials is the same whether carried 
on in a coffee-pot or in a great battery of thousand-barrel stills. Beyond 
this the refining process is complex and technical — suitable only for 
scientific discussion. 

Despite this fact, an oil refinery is by no means an uninteresting place 
to the layman. From point of size alone, Richmond is somewhat im- 
pressive, covering as it does a territory of 788 acres, or 1.225 square 
miles. 

The raw material, or crude oil, for this Refinery City is supplied from 
the "Tank Farm" at San Pablo, five miles distant. San Pablo is the ter- 
minus of the 330-mile pipe-line from the California oil-fields, and the 
oil which is stored here in great tanks — holding an aggregate of four 
and a half million barrels — is run down to Richmond by gravity as 
needed. 

The selection of the correct crude oil for the particular product to be 
manufactured is an important consideration, for all Standard illumi- 
nating and lubricating oils and other products are made from selected 



352 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

crudes. If asphaltum for roofing or paving materials is to be made, a 
crude oil shown by test to be best suited for this purpose is selected. In 
the same way, by rigid tests, crude oils are chosen for the manufacture 
of Pearl oil, Red Crown gasoline, Zerolene, and other products. A stock 
especially suited for one product may almost entirely lack the essentials 
that go to make others, and the laboratory experts who determine these 
things, and who later, after exhaustive tests, give a refined product its 
clearance papers, conduct their work with the greatest possible care. 

And this Refinery City, to which the crude oil comes, is not merely 
big — it is busy ; busy night and day, week in and week out, Sundays and 
holidays, from January ist to December 31st, distilling, treating, filter- 
ing, testing — with frequent shifts of men so that none of the work is 
slighted, no one overworked. 

Directed by executives of long experience ; manned by expert chem- 
ists, superintendents, and other men of scientific as well as practical 
training; provided with a physical equipment thoroughly modern and 
second to none in the world, Richmond Refinery is in a position to main- 
tain with efficiency this intensive pace of manufacture. One hundred 
and forty-one big stills, with a total charging capacity of 60,000 barrels ; 
adequate condensers and receiving houses; fifty-five agitators (which 
"look like giant truffles," as one visitor put it)l; four hundred and seven- 
ty-six storage tanks; an engine-house capable of developing twenty- 
four thousand horse-power; an acid plant manufacturing two hundred 
and sixty-five thousand pounds of sulphuric acid daily ; a grease plant ; 
an asphaltum plant ; a can factory, with a capacity of 25,000 five-gallon 
cans a day ; a cooperage or barrel works ; a machine-shop ; a tank-car 
repair-shop, and several pump-houses, are some of the main divisions 
of the refinery's equipment. And interconnecting the entire plant, mak- 
ing it a manufacturing plant, runs a maze of pipe fines — 360 miles in all 
— through which are handled the crude and many of the refined oils, as 
well as the steam, air, fresh and salt water used in their manufacture 
and in the hospital. 

In addition to its manufacturing facilities, Richmond is admirably 
equipped for the prompt and economical loading of its products for dis- 
tribution to the consumer. Pipe-lines leading directly to the railroad 
yards are run along the "loading racks" beside the tracks, and from 
these refined oils, gasoline, and other products are run into the big rail- 



RICHMOND 



353 



road tank cars with which every one is famiHar. The extensive loading 
racks permit fifty cars to be filled at one time. All barrel and case goods 
are loaded into box cars direct from the warehouse platforms. 

Of greater interest, perhaps, are the refinery's facilities for discharg- 
ing its products by sea. A short distance from the refinery, extending 
almost a mile out into the bay, is the Richmond pier where Standard 
Oil Company tankers take on fluid cargoes for bulk distribution to its 
main distributing stations on the Pacific Coast, and to inland points 
reached by light-draft steamers that ply on the Sacramento and San 
Joaquin rivers. At Point Orient, about five miles distant from the re- 
finery, an ideal shipping point because of the deep water and protected 
location, the company has another pier, storage tanks, and docks. Prod- 
ucts are pumped from the refinery to the storage tanks and then run by 
gravity down to the dock and into the tankers and other vessels for 
shipment to the Orient and Central and South American ports. During 
the present year shipments bound for New York have also cleared from 
this dock, for the superiority of California asphaltum has brought about 
a fast-increasing demand for this product in the East. 

Such is the Richmond Refinery, the company's largest manufacturing 
plant. Its development from small beginnings to its present size has 
been healthy, logical, and in entire accord with the demands of the 
market for refined products, and with the development of the com- 
pany's crude product and that of the producers from whom it purchases 
oils. The first stills were completed and fired at Richmond on July 2, 
1902. At that time but eighty men were employed at the refinery, and 
during the first months they refined only 780 barrels of crude oil a day. 
Since its beginning construction work at Richmond has never ceased, 
and today twenty-seven hundred men are required to operate the plant 
which is refining on an average 60,000 barrels of crude oil daily. 

The refinery is still growing and will continue to grow, healthily and 
logically, as it has in the past. As the demand for its product increases, 
so will the capacity of the refinery be increased to meet that demand — 
just as El Segundo, and the company's newest refinery at Bakersfield, 
were built to supply the increasing southern trade of California and ad- 
joining States. And always will every care be taken, every known means 
be employed, to make Standard products everything that their name 
implies — uniform products of the highest quality and reliability. 



354 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

STEGE 

Stege is situated near the southern boundary of Contra Costa County, 
not far from the Alameda County boundary line, in direct communica- 
tion with both Oakland and Richmond. This community is rapidly 
forging ahead. Located here are the California Cap Works, the United 
States Briquette Company, the Stauffer Chemical Works, and the Stege 
Lumber Manufacturing Company. 



CHAPTER XXVII 
ANTIOCH 

BY RUDOLPH A. WILSON, OF THE ANTIOCH LEDGER STAFF 

Antioch is one of the oldest towns in California, having been original- 
ly founded in 1850, the year following the discovery of gold, and has a 
history in every way as interesting and romantic as any of the early 
settlements in the Golden State. In the brief space allotted me it will be 
impossible to more than scratch the surface of things historical, and it 
will be my purpose to refer only briefly to the more important and in- 
teresting items of the early history of our beautiful little city, which 
gives promise in the not distant future of becoming one of the leading 
interior cities in California. 

During the past few years a considerable number of people have made 
inquiry at the Ledger office for information concerning the name "An- 
tioch." "How did Antioch get its name?" is the question usually asked, 
though some have wanted to know the derivation of the word. For the 
purpose of supplying satisfactory answers to these questions I have 
been asked to prepare an article that will give such information as is 
available. I have found the subject intensely interesting, and am con- 
strained to add such other data, historical and otherwise, as have come 
to my notice in the course of my investigations. 

Most of my readers, I dare say, are aware that the name is often men- 
tioned in the Bible, and some at least will recall that it was in the an- 
cient city of Antioch the followers of the meek and lowly Nazarene 
were first called "Christians."^ Some may not know, however, that the 
ancient city of Antioch in Asia was named in honor of the tyrant king 
Antiochus, the arch-enemy of the Maccabean Jews. The following his- 
torical sketch will furnish such information as is now extant concerning 
our ancient namesake : 

"Antioch, the ancient capital of the Greek kings of Syria, and long 



* See Acts xi:26. 



356 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

the chief city of Asia, Hes in a beautiful and fertile plain, on the left 
bank of the river Orontes, fourteen miles from the sea. In ancient times, 
by its navigable river and its harbor, Seleucia, it had communication 
with all the maritime cities of the west, while it became on the other 
hand an emporium for the merchandise of the east, for behind it lay 
the vast Syrian desert, across which traveled the caravans from Meso- 
potamia and Syria. The city was erected by Seleucus Nicator about 300 
B. C, and was the most splendid of sixteen cities built by him in honor 
of his father, Antiochus. In early times a part stood upon an island 
which has now disappeared. The rest was built partly on the plain and 
partly on the rugged ascent toward Mount Cassius, amid vineyards and 
fruit-trees. The ancients called it 'Antioch the Beautiful,' and 'The 
Crown of the East.' It was a favorite residence of the Seleucid princes 
and of the wealthy Romans, and was famed throughout the world for 
its splendid luxury. Its public edifices were magnificent. The city 
reached its greatest glory in the time of Antiochus the Great, and un- 
der the Roman emperors of the first three centuries. At that time it con- 
tained 500,000 inhabitants, and vied in splendor with Rome itself. Nor 
did its glory fade immediately after the founding of Constantinople; 
for though it then ceased to be the first city of the east, it rose into new 
dignity as a Christian city. It was one of the earliest strongholds of the 
new faith — indeed, it was here that the name "Christian" was first used. 
During the apostolic age it was the center of missionary enterprise, and 
it became the seat of one of the four patriachs. Ten councils were held 
here from 252 to 380 A. D. Churches sprang up exhibiting a new style 
of architecture which soon became prevalent ; and even Constantine 
spent a considerable time here, adorning it, and strengthening its har- 
bor, Seleucia. The downfall of the city dates from the fifth century. In 
538 it was reduced to ashes by the Persian king Chosroes, but was part- 
ly rebuilt by Justinian. The next important event in its history was its 
conquest by the Saracens in the seventh century. In the ninth century 
it was recovered by the Greeks under Nicephorus Phocas, but in 1084 
it again fell into the hands of the Mohammedans. The Crusaders be- 
seiged and took it in 1098. At the close of the thirteenth century, the 
Sultan of Egypt seized it. At present it forms a portion of Syria, in the 
province of Aleppo, and has a population of 17,500, mostly Turks, em- 
ployed in silk-culture, eel-fishing, and in the production of corn and oil. 




i/i^^ioL 



ANTIOCH 357 

It exhibits almost no traces of its former grandeur, except the ruins of 
the walls built by Justinian, and of the fortress erected by the Crusa- 
ders. It suffered from an earthquake in 1872. 

"Another ancient city named Antioch is situated in Pisidia, founded 
also by Nicator. It was declared a free city by the Romans in the sec- 
ond century B. C, and made a colonia under Augustus, with the name 
Csesarea. It was often visited by St. Paul." 

The thoughtful reader will notice several interesting points of re- 
semblance in this description of the ancient Antioch and our own fair 
city. First, note that it lay on the left bank of the river, in a fertile and 
beautiful plain, fourteen miles from the sea. Next, note the reference 
to the rugged ascent toward the mount (substitute Diablo for Cassius, 
and you will note a topographical hkeness) amid vineyards and fruit- 
trees. A close scrutiny of a map of the locality in which the Asian city 
stands will reveal other striking points of resemblance. Also, a picture 
of the water-front of Antioch in Asia is remarkably like a correspond- 
ing view of Antioch, California, as seen from the river. The principal 
difference which will occur to you is in the matter of size, in which de- 
tail the ancient city compares better with San Francisco or Los An- 
geles. These resemblances, striking as they are, however, are purely 
coincidences, as there is not the slightest reason for believing that they 
occurred to the minds of the people who chose the name for this place, 
the name having been selected, as will be shown further on in this ar- 
ticle, by a minister of the Christian denomination, for reasons which 
are obvious. 

Antioch is one of twelve towns in the United States bearing this 
name. There were thirteen, but one of the post-offices — Antioch, Arkan- 
sas — was discontinued by the Government in 1916, its patrons now be- 
ing served by a rural free delivery route from Beebe. Believing that 
you will be interested to learn something of these twelve namesakes, I 
have sent inquiries to them, and every one has responded, some with 
very interesting letters. This much may be said now, however : Antioch, 
California, is the largest and most important of them all, many of the 
others being little more than country post-offices. Antioch, Illinois, is 
the next largest, and is the only other one in which there is a newspaper 
published. 

Antioch was not the first name of this locality, it having been orig- 



358 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

inally adjacent to a settlement known by the more pretentious title of 
"New York of the Pacific," which was designed to become the metropo- 
lis of the Pacific Coast. It was known in early times as Smith's Land- 
ing, from the Rev. W. W. Smith and his brother, Joseph H. Smith, who 
were among the original settlers. In the following paragraphs we give 
historical sketches written by the Rev. W. W. Smith and Captain 
George W. Kimball, which will be especially interesting to those who 
are disposed to hark back to the early days. Captain Kimball's article 
follows : 

''In 1848 I ran a packet between Maine and New York, and on my 
last trip I made up my mind to go to California, and conceived and 
drew up a plan for building a ship to carry poor people like myself. It 
resulted in the following agreement : 'We, the undersigned, are desirous 
of engaging in an enterprise on the golden shores of California, the 
Paradise of America, where summer reigns perpetually ; while the fer- 
tile soil is yielding its increase abundantly, fruits growing spontaneous- 
ly, fishes sporting most plentifully, and where wild game is most pro- 
lific, on the shores of the Pacific. Our object is to settle a township, or 
effect a permanent settlement on the coast of California, at some cen- 
tral point, in some capacious and commodious harbor, where the salu- 
brity of the climate, the fertility of the soil, mill privileges, timber for 
ship-building, and other purposes, conveniences for fisheries, for coast- 
ing, and other natural advantages, shall warrant a healthy and rapid set- 
tlement. For the accomplishment of the above-mentioned object, we 
appoint George W. Kimball, of Frankfort, county of Waldo, State of 
Maine, as our lawful agent, to purchase or build, man and equip, a ship 
suitable to perform said voyage to California; said ship to be ready for 
sea by the loth day of October, 1849. From two to three hundred of us 
will build and own a fine packet of six hundred tons, by paying $101 
each ; this packet will make one voyage per annum from Maine to Cali- 
fornia, taking out passengers, produce, etc., and returning with the ex- 
ports of the Pacific. We will take our families, farming utensils, tools 
for the mechanic, and apparatus for a sawmill. On our arrival the first 
object will be to select a township; second, build a sawmill; erect a 
public depot for our families and baggage, until private dwellings can 
be built. When the packet sails, a school will commence for all on board, 
where the art of reading, writing, arithmetic, navigation, surveying, 



ANTIOCH 359 

and such other branches of natural science will be taught as will be 
most needed in the new settlement/ 

"In pursuance of the above plan we went into the woods with a crew 
to get out timber for constructing a ship. Robert Douglass, a carpen- 
ter, commenced laying the ship's keel about the first of April, 1849. 
Douglass was alone the first week; the second week two young men 
joined him. The company increased until sixty-five men were at work on 
their own ship. On the 14th of November the ship, partly rigged, sailed 
for Boston. As the enterprise was a novelty, we were freely advertised 
by the newspapers; merchants contributed freight, and became inter- 
ested in seeing the vessel suppHed with all needed ship chandlery. 

''March 4, 1850, we set sail for CaHfornia, with two hundred persons 
on board, and arrived at San Francisco, all well, August 24th. The 
cholera was in San Francisco; many were sick, and some had died. I 
landed in good health the number that sailed from Boston, and three 
marines who swam aboard our ship in Rio Janeiro, and fourteen pas- 
sengers who came aboard at Valparaiso, making 217 men, women and 
children. My company soon scattered, and many went to the mines. I 
sold the ship, paid my bills, and sat down to rest. About the 15th of 
September, Rev. W. W. Smith came on board our ship, and invited us 
to go to Antioch and settle. It was then called New York Township. My 
brother, S. P. Kimball, went to Antioch; several others went with him 
and built houses for their families east of where my house now stands. 
A ship's galley was moved to a lot, near where the present brick school- 
house now stands, and Martha Douglass taught the first school in our 
settlement. After that my daughter, Adelia, taught the school. My 
brother and I hired a man and cut hay on Kimball and Sherman islands. 
I took it to San Francisco in my scow, and sold it for sixty dollars per 
ton. Mr. Smith afterwards moved away from Antioch, so that I am the 
first permanent settler. I built two small wharves for receiving coal. I 
was the first postmaster, the first notary pubHc, the first justice of the 
peace, and the first school trustee in Antioch. 

'T supposed I owned the section I lived on until 1865, as I had bought 
all the titles I knew of. Garcia told me his New York ranch did not 
reach me, but they finally located it over my place, and covered my im- 
provements, and the courts said it was all right. After the New York 
grant took my land I bought a few parcels of land to save some im- 



360 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

provements, and then fled to the tule island opposite Pittsburg Land- 
ing with my stock. I spent part of two seasons there, dairying and rais- 
ing hogs. I also bought the little island opposite Antioch; from this 
island my son, Edgar H. Kimball, supplies Antioch with milk." 

Rev. W. W. Smith says: ''We sailed from Boston harbor on the nth 
of January, 1849, together with my brother, Joseph H. Smith, J. C. Mc- 
Masters, and about fifty others. On the 6th day of July, 1849, we passed 
through the Golden Gate, amid the cheers of the passengers, and three 
or four hours later came the ship 'Edward Everett,' which we had not 
seen since leaving Boston harbor. As we gazed upon the shore from the 
ship, nothing but a city of tents could be seen. Before leaving the ves- 
sel, the captain called us on deck to have a friendly chat before bidding 
each other farewell and separating on our various ways. Arriving on 
shore, we found but five American famihes in the city, the balance be- 
ing Mexicans and Indians. We remained in San Francisco five days, 
when we shipped on board the schooner 'Rialto' for the mouth of the 
San Joaquin River, where we arrived on the nth of July, just six 
months from Boston Bay. 

"Colonel J. D. Stevenson and Doctor William Parker had purchased 
a part of the Los Medanos grant, and had sent up the lumber, fixtures, 
etc., to commence the building of a city, to be called 'New York of the 
Pacific' W. W. Smith, being a practical architect and builder, was en- 
gaged at fourteen dollars per day to take charge of and superintend the 
building of a house for the two families, who, for the present, had only 
a tent for protection. Mr. Beener and Antonio Mesa and family lived 
two miles farther up the river. Mesa's house was built of redwood logs 
stood on end for the sides, and was covered with tules in bundles for a 
roof, with a hole in the center to allow the smoke to escape, and con- 
tained two rooms. 

'"New York of the Pacific was fast becoming an inland city, and the 
harbor was full of vessels with men and cargoes for the mines. At the 
first election, under the new constitution, in 1855, we found, on shore 
and on shipboard, that we had from five hundred to eight hundred vot- 
ers when all were at home. Business continued to increase, and the New 
York House, conducted by the Smiths, became a popular temperance 
eating-house, while all the others sold liquor. When coin was scarce a 
pinch of gold dust paid for a drink. 



ANTIOCH 361 

'The proclamation of Governor Riley had been issued to have all 
needed officers elected. W. W. Smith was the first elected alcalde of 
New York of the Pacific and of this newly formed district. The alcalde 
had charge of all sanitary, civil, criminal, and judicial affairs in his dis- 
trict, with full power to appoint his officers, levy taxes, and collect fees. 
The alcalde spent some two thousand dollars in time, money, and medi- 
cines, in caring for the sick and dead, none of which was ever reim- 
bursed, and he found the position honorary and very expensive. 

'Tn September, 1850, W. W. Smith, hearing of the arrival of a ship- 
load of settlers in San Francisco, hastened down and found a number 
of families who wished to obtain land and settle in California. Captain 
George W. Kimball and brother, Robert Douglass, four or five Hatha- 
ways, a Mr. Marshall and son, and a Mr. Dennison, came to Antioch, 
which at that time was called Smith's Landing. A street was laid out 
running east by compass, and each family that wished to settle upon 
land was presented with a lot to build on. The Pulsifer brothers then 
established a garden on the point, watering the same by a simple wooden 
pump, fixed in the slough between the point and the mainland. By the 
united work of all, a fence and ditch were completed from the tules on 
the west of town to the tules on the east, in the spring of 185 1, to keep 
the wild animals from entering the town. 

*'On the Fourth of July, 1851, a basket picnic v/as held at the resi- 
dence of W. W. Smith, then standing on the high ground near where 
the Antioch Ledger office now is. The all-absorbing topic of the day was 
'What shall we name our town ?' Between thirty and forty men, women, 
and children had gathered from far and near. Several names were pro- 
posed, among them 'Minton,' after a steamer that plied on the river, 
that she might be induced to stop at our town. Another proposed that 
the name be 'Paradise,' but Deacon Pulsifer remarked that there were 
many claimants to the lands in California, and they might lose their 
land, and then it would be 'Paradise Lost.' W. W. Smith proposed that, 
inasmuch as the first settlers were disciples of Christ, and one of them 
had died and was buried on the land, that it be given a Bible name in 
his honor, and suggested Antioch, and by united acclamation it was so 
christened." 

The foregoing articles dispose quite thoroughly with the very early 
history of Antioch. Just at this juncture a few words of explanation 



362 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

might not come amiss. It must be remembered that the articles quoted 
above were written a good many years ago, and changes have occurred 
which make some of the statements not quite accurate today. For in- 
stance, Captain Kimball speaks of those who built houses ''east of where 
my house now stands." Captain Kimball's house stood at that time near 
where Scout's Hall now stands. In fact, the Griswold home, next door 
to the hall, is the Captain's old house remodeled and added to, and is 
therefore the oldest house in Antioch, and is said to be the oldest resi- 
dence building in Contra Costa. The other buildings have all disap- 
peared, other more modern structures having replaced them. They were 
located east by compass from the Captain's house, the last one standing 
not far from where the water-tank is now located. Again, Captain Kim- 
ball speaks of a ship's galley being moved to a lot where "the present 
brick schoolhouse now stands." The brick schoolhouse is no longer 
standing, but Mrs. A. B. Schott, Captain Kimball's daughter, informs 
me that it stood just about where the present grammar-school building 
is now located. Edgar Kimball still lives in Antioch, but is no longer the 
official milkman. With these exceptions, however. Captain Kimball's 
sketch corresponds quite closely to present-day conditions. 

The residence referred to in Mr. Smith's article as standing on the 
present location of the Ledger office is the old frame building now 
standing just east of the Belshaw building, and is not the present loca- 
tion of the Ledger. At the time Mr. Smith's article was written it stood 
on the present site of the Bank of Antioch building. The early settler 
mentioned in Mr. Smith's article who had died and was buried on the 
land was his brother, the Rev. Joseph H. Smith, and his earthly remains 
rested at that time in the old burying-ground, then located about where 
Mrs. Meyers now lives, on the corner of F and Tenth streets. 

The Colonel J. D. Stevenson mentioned in Mr. Smith's sketch seems 
to have been a sort of early "Get-Rich-Quick Wallingford." He is de- 
scribed as a rather picturesque and romantic sort of grafter by Miss 
Pauline Jacobson in a series of articles dealing with the early history of 
San Francisco, published last year in the San Francisco Bulletin. With 
Miss Jacobson's kind permission, I give a brief extract from her article, 
dealing with the smooth Colonel. The reader will note that Miss Jacob- 
son is rather unjust in her estimate of the geographical location of New 
York of the Pacific ; but this is undoubtedly caused by lack of accurate 



ANTIOCH 363 

information as to its correct location. Excerpts from her article follow : 

"The Colonel was now a 'land commissioner.' He was clad in closely 
buttoned frock coat and military fatigue cap, a fashion which clung to 
him till death. The Colonel could never quite live down his military past. 
And according to the account of Massett (a young adventurer of argo- 
naut days), no modern method had anything over the Colonel when it 
came to disposing of real estate in his 'New York of the Pacific,' which 
was somewhere in the region of the mosquito-infected, malarial-ridden 
marshes of Sacramento. The dodge was for the forfeiture of the lot if a 
house was not erected in thirty days. Lumber was hardly to be had, and 
the houses purported to be on the way by the Horn never came. The 
Colonel, upon finding that Massett had no definite object in coming to 
California, but was following his bent of drifting about, suggested that 
he come the next day to his office, in Montgomery Street, between 
Washington and Jackson. 

"'You are just the young man for me,' said the Colonel. 'You, of 
course, understand drawing deeds, mortgages, etc. ; in fact, the general 
routine of a lawyer's office. You've been in a good school, and I think 
we can get along very well together. I have just purchased a tract of 
land — am going to build a new city — a second New York, sir ! I'll make 
you alcalde, sir ! Notary public, sir ! Mayor of the city, sir ! Come and 
breakfast with me, sir, tomorrow.' 

"'At what time, Colonel?' asked Massett. 

"'At six o'clock, sir — always rise with the lark,' replied the Colonel. 
'There's nothing like getting up early, sir — business man, sir. Go to bed 
early — keep steady — don't drink, and your fortune's made in no time !' 

"The next day, bright and early, Massett went to his office. The walls 
were adorned with large maps^ most gorgeously got up. . . . On the 
outside the people were informed that that was 'J. D. Stevenson's Land 
Office and Agency of Lots in New York of the Pacific.'" 

Colonel Stevenson's dream of a second New York at this point has 
not yet been realized, though it is hardly too much to say that in a 
measure it may be yet, for Antioch and Pittsburg are now growing by 
leaps and bounds, and will ere long be manufacturing and shipping cen- 
ters of no mean proportions. It is quite evident that the Colonel's first 
thought was to make money out of real-estate speculation, and it is 
hardly likely that the future greatness of his city in reality gave him any 



364 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

serious concern. It is also evident, however, in the light of present con- 
ditions, that he chose better than he knew. It is certain that if he could 
live again and see the scene of his activities of those early days, he 
would observe many things that would cause him the utmost astonish- 
ment. It must be remembered that he never saw a telephone, a phono- 
graph, an electric car or motor, or an automobile. In fact, the railroad- 
trains of his day were few and far between, and, compared with the 
palatial systems with which we are all so familiar, were crude and 
clumsy affairs. The past sixty years have been years of tremendous 
progress, and the New York City of 1850 actually compared quite poor- 
ly in all save size with the Antioch and Pittsburg of 1917. 

Of the original settlers of Antioch only two are living here to- 
day — Edgar H. Kimball and Mrs. Adelia B. Schott, son and daughter 
of Captain Kimball, who have many interesting reminiscences to relate 
of life in Antioch as it was in the days of the argonauts. Of the build- 
ings which housed these original families, none are now standing intact, 
though one, the house now occupied by G. C. Griswold and family, next 
door to Scout's Hall, is composed for the most part of the material con- 
tained in the original residence of Captain Kimball, some of this ma- 
terial having been brought from Maine on the initial voyage of the 
Captain's good ship. 

About the year 1859 coal was discovered in several places in the hills 
south of Antioch and formed the first substantial industry aside from 
farming and dairying of the inhabitants of this locality. This new in- 
dustry resulted in the founding of the towns of Somersville, Norton- 
ville, and Black Diamond (now Pittsburg), and added greatly to the 
importance and prosperity of Antioch. The Empire Coal Company was 
formed in 1876 by John C. Rouse and George Hawxhurst, and a rail- 
road built, which passed out of Antioch toward the mines over what is 
now F (formerly Kimball) Street. The mine and railroad later passed 
into the hands of the Belshaw brothers. The mine has long since ceased 
operation and the railroad track has been taken up, though the building 
which served as the Antioch terminus of the road still stands on the 
corner of F and Fourth streets, and the grading, trestles, etc., still re- 
main much as they were in these early days. 

In 1863 a great excitement arose over the discovery of copper near 
Antioch. Smelting-works were erected at Antioch, and from fifteen dol- 



ANTIOCH 365 

lars to twenty-five dollars per ton was paid for ore, according to its rich- 
ness. The bubble eventually burst, to the discomfiture of all concerned. 

Petroleum was first bored for near Antioch in 1865, but oil in paying 
quantities could not be obtained. 

So much for the early days of the town. Antioch was ideally located 
and grew, developed and prospered much as many other communities 
of that period, and in due time churches, fraternal societies, and busi- 
ness enterprises were founded, many of which remain with us to the 
present. Mention of the principal ones will be made as we pass along. 

The Antioch Ledger was first issued on March 10, 1870, and in all 
its forty-seven years never missed an issue. A copy of its first num- 
ber has been framed and hangs over the desk of the present editor. It is 
five by eight inches in size, printed on one side only, and its sole news 
item is a report and editorial comment on a woman's suffrage meeting 
which had just been held in the town. This paper was founded by James 
W. E. Townsend and Harry Waite, and conducted by them jointly un- 
til August, 1870, when Townsend became the sole proprietor. Townsend 
was a prolific and versatile writer, and had the reputation of having 
established more newspapers than any other man in California. He was 
a man of strong personality and captivating manner, and a raconteur of 
rare ability. So numerous and so wonderful were the anecdotes with 
which he used to regal his listeners, it is said that they earned for him 
the sobriquet of "Lying Jim" Townsend. Paradoxical though it may 
sound, in some of the works of Bret Harte he is referred to as "Truth- 
ful James." Whether this was satire or an indication of reformation on 
Townsend's part cannot be definitely stated now, but it is certain that 
many of the stories immortalized in the works of Bret Harte, Samuel 
Clemens (Mark Twain), and other Western writers of that period ac- 
tually originated in the fertile brain of Townsend, for he was an inti- 
mate friend and associate of these writers. 

In December, 1870, J. P. Abbott succeeded Townsend as editor and 
proprietor of the Ledger, and during the eleven years it was conducted 
by this able journalist it was an important factor in State and county 
politics. After some years Abbott sold the paper to Charles F. Mont- 
gomery, who changed its politics from Republican to Democratic. He 
was also an able and aggressive writer and took an active part in polit- 
ical matters. Upon his death the management of the Ledger was taken 



366 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

up by his son, Curtis F. Montgomery, who remained in charge until 
April I, 1905, when the paper was purchased by C. G. McDaniel, the 
present owner, who changed its poUtics back to Republican. 

In both its news and editorial columns the Ledger has always been 
progressive but conservative, and has been an important factor in the 
development of Antioch and its vicinity, enjoying the friendship and 
respect of all, even of those who may not altogether agree with its po- 
litical policies. 

Antioch's pioneer church, the First Congregational, celebrated its 
fiftieth anniversary in September, 191 5, with elaborate exercises, re- 
ported in detail in the Ledger of subsequent date. It seems that a church 
had been founded prior to 1865 by a young man named Morgan, but 
was short-lived, and it was revived at this time and absorbed by this 
Congregational church, which has had a continuous existence from 
1865 to the present. A Sunday-school, founded by Miss Adelia Kimball 
(Mrs. A. B. Schott), was later conducted by the Misses Drusilla Boo- 
bar and Annie Morrison (Mrs. Joseph Galloway)! prior to the church 
organization. This school met in the town hall, which then stood about 
where the Kelley undertaking parlor is now located. The Congrega- 
tional church, however, was the first permanent religious enterprise es- 
tablished in Antioch. Briefly, the details of its formation are as follows : 
On June 12, 1865, a meeting of those interested was held in the school- 
house for the purpose of forming a church. Captain G. W. Kimball 
acted as chairman and the Rev. J. H. Warren as secretary. A constitu- 
tion was adopted which, with slight changes and amendments, is still 
in force after more than a half century. As nearly as can be determined 
the charter membership consisted of the following persons : Mrs. R. H. 
Aldon, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Barrett, Mrs. M. H. Boothby, G. W. Brown, 
G. C. Carmen, Miss Ida Fuller, Isaac Hardy, G. W. Kimball, Mrs. J. 
C. O'Brien, Almon Walton, and S. S. Woodruff. The first permanent 
board of trustees consisted of Joseph Galloway, David Woodruff, G. W. 
Brown, Captain G. W. Kimball, and William Utter. From this parent 
organization have sprung the other Protestant denominations — first, the 
Advent Christian, later the Methodist Episcopal, and, last of all, the 
Church of Christ, Scientist. The Congregational society owns the beau- 
tiful church and grounds on the corner of Sixth and F streets, also the 
parsonage next door. 



ANTIOCH 367 

The Catholic church has been one of the most important religious in- 
stitutions of Antioch for the past forty-five years, and the circum- 
stances regarding its institution and development are briefly as fol- 
lows: In 1872 the Rev. Father Vincent Vinzes, of Benicia, was called 
to the Empire Mine, then being operated about six miles south of An- 
tioch, to attend one of the miners who had been seriously injured. Tak- 
ing advantage of the occasion. Father Vinzes called the men of the 
Catholic faith together and celebrated mass in the home of John Mul- 
hare, located a short distance southwest of Antioch, near where the 
high school now stands. Then for more than a year regular services 
were held at the Mulhare home. In 1873 the ''old" church was built on 
the block between G and H streets, on Seventh, this land being donated 
by Captain George W. Kimball and a Spanish gentleman whose name 
could not be obtained by this writer. This building is still standing, and 
is used as a hall for lodge-meetings and other secular purposes. In 1875 
Father Patrick Calahan came to Antioch and became the first resident 
priest, and in 1880 the rectory was built for his residence. Father Cala- 
han died in 1902, and was succeeded by Father Antone Riley, and it 
was during his ministry, in 1905, that the beautiful new church was 
erected, on the church property adjoining the old structure. This build- 
ing is of white sandstone brick, Romanesque in architecture, and is one 
of the most beautiful church buildings in Contra Costa County. The 
cost was over $25,000. Altogether the church property is valued at about 
$40,000, and the location is one of the most attractive in Antioch. 
Father Riley left Antioch, and was succeeded by Father J. G. Rourke, 
formerly of St. Dominic's Church, San Francisco, in 1912, and shortly 
afterward Father Rourke was joined by Father E. Lawrence, who came 
from Benicia to act as his assistant. These priests are still in charge, 
and are constantly improving the grounds and buildings, and under 
their able leadership the Holy Rosary Church of Antioch is growing 
and prospering. 

The Advent Christian church was organized on September 25, 1877, 
by Mrs. M. J. Clark, an evangehst of that denomination, with a charter 
membership of more than thirty, most of whom were at the time mem- 
bers of the Congregational church. Prominent among these were John 
Schott, wife and daughter (Miss Louisa), T. N. Wills, H. F. Beede 
and wife, S. P. Joslin and wife, Isaac Hardy and wife. Dr. E. 



368 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

L. Wempler and wife. The evangelist, Mrs. Clark, remained for some 
time and served the church in the capacity of pastor. The Rev. W. R. 
Young was the first resident pastor, and remained with the church un- 
til about IQCMD, when he removed to Oakland, to assume the editorship 
of The Messiah's Advocate. The Adventist church owns its house of 
worship, located on the corner of Fourth and I streets. 

The Methodist Episcopal church of Antioch was organized in Sep- 
tember, 1899, the principal figures in the movement being Judge J. P. 
Abbott (now deceased) and Doctor W. S. George. The preliminary 
meeting, at which a temporary organization was eflfected, was called by 
Wesley Dunnigan, L. S. Lafferty, Isaac Lafferty, and Doctor W. S. 
George in the old Hamburg Hall, which then stood near the present 
site of the Santa Fe station. These men secured the services of the Rev. 
James Blackledge, who held regular services and assisted in perfecting 
the organization of the new church. The State Conference sent the 
Rev. Dr. Brill late in the fall, and he completed the details of organiza- 
tion, and the men whose names appear earlier in this paragraph were 
appointed the first board of trustees. Doctor Brill at once began a vigor- 
ous campaign to raise funds for the purchase of a building-site and the 
erection thereon of a house of worship. His efforts were successful, 
and the building now occupied by the church, located on the corner of 
Sixth and G streets, was erected in 1890. The church also owns the 
parsonage property on Sixth Street, next door to the church. 

Early in the year 1910 six Christian Scientists began to read the les- 
son sermon at the residence of one of their number, and through the 
work accomplished by this little company the number gradually in- 
creased until in the fall of 1910 it became necessary to secure larger 
quarters, and Union Hall was rented for midweek and Sunday meet- 
ings. In July, 191 1, a society was organized with a charter membership 
of fifteen, and in 1912 a church building-lot was purchased on the cor- 
ner of Fifth and D streets. On March 12, 191 5, the temporary chapel 
now occupied was begun on the rear of this lot, leaving room for a 
main church building when such is needed. This chapel was completed 
and the first meeting held on April 4th following. The seating capacity is 
about one hundred. The continued growth both in regard to attendance 
and membership attests the permanence of Christian Science in Antioch 
and its vicinity. 





i/-<4^^^^ 



ANTIOCH 369 

FRATERNAL SOCIETIES 

San Joaquin Lodge No. 151, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
was organized in Antioch on January 9, 1869, by District Deputy 
Grand Master G. P. Loucks. William Girvan was elected Noble Grand, 
M. S. Levy, Vice Grand; George Thyarks, secretary; Russell Eddy, 
treasurer. Fred Wilkening was the only one of the five charter mem- 
bers who did not at once assume an official station. San Joaquin Lodge 
now has a membership of about 140, and jointly with the Masonic 
Lodge owns the lodge building on the corner of H and Second streets. 
This lodge is one of the largest and most important in Contra Costa 
County. Antioch Encampment No. 114, L O. O. F., consisting of mem- 
bers of San Joaquin and Byron lodges, was instituted October 9, 1908, 
with a charter membership of twenty-three. J. T. Belshaw was elected 
the first Chief Patriarch. This organization has grown and prospered, 
and is now one of the leading fraternal societies in the town. Mizpah 
Rebekah Lodge, L O. O. F., was instituted June 28, 1888, with a mere 
handful of members, but has grown very rapidly, until it now outnum- 
bers the older San Joaquin Lodge of Odd Fellows. Many of Antioch's 
younger set are active members, and Mizpah Lodge is one of the prom- 
inent social as well as fraternal societies of the city. 

General Winn Parlor No. 32, Native Sons of the Golden West, was 
instituted July 26, 1884, being one of the oldest parlors. Every year 
since its organization it has held a grand masque ball, which has be- 
come one of the principal social events of the year, and for the last 
eight years this parlor has given an annual amateur theatrical perform- 
ance, the entire proceeds being donated to the Homeless Children Fund. 
This parlor has the honor of having in its membership one of the Past 
Grand Presidents of the order, Hon. Chas. M. Belshaw, and many of 
the most prominent citizens of this section are included in its list of 
members. 

Antioch Aerie No. 785, Fraternal Order of Eagles, was instituted 
September i, 1904, with a charter membership of 105, and has enjoyed 
a remarkable growth, having at the present time more than 300 mem- 
bers — the largest of any order in the city. It is also said to have the 
strongest treasury of any organization of a fraternal or social nature in 
this section. 

Antioch Lodge No. 161 2, Loyal Order of Moose, was organized in 



370 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

February, 191 5, with Doctor W. S. George as the first dictator. The 
lodge hold its meetings in the Foresters of America building, and main- 
tains elegant club-rooms over the Bank of Antioch. The membership is 
large and growing. 

Among the other fraternal societies that are well established and 
active in Antioch may be named the Foresters of America, the Im- 
proved Order of Red Men (Pocahontas Lodge), and the Young Men's 
Institute, a Catholic order; also, the U. P. E. C, U. P. P. E. C, I. D. E. 
S., and S. P. R. S. I., the last four named all being Portuguese orders. 
G. Azevedo, member of Antioch Council No. 51, U. P. E. C, has just 
finished a term of one year as Supreme President of the order. 

Of clubs by far the most important is the Antioch Woman's Club. 
Besides being a popular social organization, this club has accomplished 
much for the material advancement of Antioch. It was through its ef- 
forts that the town has its modern automatic fire-alarm system, and 
also the beautiful public library building on the corner of Sixth and F 
streets. Other important improvements have received substantial aid 
from the Woman's Club. 

Among the business enterprises of Antioch with a continuous exist- 
ence from their first establishment to the present day, the Antioch Lum- 
ber Company is without doubt the oldest. This industry was established 
in the year 1864 by the late Joseph Galloway and E. C. Boobar, who at 
that time owned a considerable portion of the town-site, as well as the 
water-front. The office and yards were located on the block on which 
the Arlington Hotel, Wall Shoe Store, etc., now stand, while the main 
steamboat wharf at the foot of H Street was utilized by the company 
for loading and unloading schooners, this being before the day of rail- 
road transportation facilities. Joseph W. Galloway, son of the founder, 
acted as manager of the business until the death of his father in 1877, 
when he sold the business to William R. Forman, John C. Rouse, and 
Henry F. Beede, the latter having been in Mr. Galloway's employ as a 
clerk for some years. After a few years Forman sold his interest to J. P. 
Abbott, and in 1887 Rouse sold half of his half interest to the Simp- 
son Lumber Company. After operating several years as a co-partner- 
ship, Feb. 20, 1907, the Antioch Lumber Company was incorporated, 
and still exists as a corporate body. Upon the death of Captain Simp- 
son, in 1914, the Simpson heirs disposed of their stock to H. F. Beede, 



ANTIOCH 371 

Mrs. Abbott, and Collins Rouse, of Berkeley. Beede has been the effi- 
cient general manager of this concern for many years, and under his 
direction the business has prospered and grown far beyond the most 
sanguine expectations of its founders. Besides handling lumber and 
mill products on a very large scale, this firm deals in coal, oils, grain, 
feed, etc. Nor are its activities confined to this city or the immediate 
environs, but, particularly of late years, extensive contracts have been 
secured from distant points, all of which have been handled in a man- 
ner mutually profitable and satisfactory to all the parties concerned and 
have reflected great credit upon the local firm. The Antioch Lumber 
Company now has its planing mill, yards, offices, wharves, and store- 
rooms near the foot of Second Street. 

The paper-making industry, while not the oldest, is today the most 
important in Antioch. The mill was first established in 1889, by M. D. 
Keeney and operated by him and his three sons, E. M., W. C, and C. 
W. Keeney, on its present site, for about ten years. Straw, manila 
wrapping, and tissue papers comprised the principal part of the output, 
though some other varieties wxre made to special order. The capacity 
at that time was from three to five tons a day, according to the weight 
of the grade being made. In 1900 the Brown Brothers — Peter and James 
— bought the mill from the .Keeneys and brought a number of their 
employees and some new machinery from Coralitos in Santa Cruz 
County, where they had been conducting a paper-mill, and in due time 
remodeled the buildings and enlarged and improved the plant, adding 
the manufacture of various varieties of cardboards and folding box- 
boards to their accomplishments. The industry was under this manage- 
ment until March, 191 2, when the mills were acquired by the Paraffine 
Paint Co., of San Francisco, and incorporated as the California Paper 
& Board Mills. On November 13, 1912, the entire plant was destroyed 
by fire, but the work of rebuilding was begun at once on a much larger 
and more elaborate scale than before, and early in the summer of 1913 
work was resumed. Besides all the varieties of papers and boards manu- 
factured by their predecessors, the new company began the manufac- 
ture of "Amiwud," a wall board of unusual merit, which imitates 
grained hardwood with a fideUty which practically defies detection. This 
product has been extensively advertised, and is sold all over the United 
States and in many foreign countries. The normal day's output of this 



372 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

mill is more than ninety tons of finished product, and it is the largest 
and finest paper-making establishment west of the Mississippi River. 
On January i, 1917, this factory changed from a twelve-hour to an 
eight-hour work-day, with no reduction in wages. It now employs in 
excess of 150 men, and the wages paid are the highest in the trade. 

EARLY DAYS OF ANTIOCH 
BY MRS. A. B. SCHOTT 

It was in 1849 that William Smith and his brother Joseph pre-empted 
the land where Antioch now stands. More than a year before this Cap- 
tain Kimball had formed a company among his poor neighbors along 
the coast of Maine to build for itself a ship in which to go to Califor- 
nia. This ship, the "California Packet," arrived in San Francisco Au- 
gust, 1850. Smith went on board this ship and induced twenty or thirty 
of the passengers to come and settle here, offering them building-lots 
along the river, while they would farm the land toward the hills. They 
built five or six small houses in a row, extending nearly to the tules east 
of the town. Kimball's house, at the western end of the row, was built 
in the fall of 1851. Smith's house was larger than the others, and stood 
on the bluff overlooking the river. 

Besides these dwelling-houses, was a very small ship's cabin, that oc- 
cupied a position near the site of the present schoolhouse. This Captain 
Mitchell removed from his ship and gave to the town for a schoolhouse. 
In this Miss Martha Douglas was installed as teacher. She soon resigned 
and Smith turned the school over to me. I was twelve years old. The 
house was small and dark, while out of doors was big and bright, and 
we had fine recesses. We still have in our midst two survivors of that 
most primitive school. They are Mrs. D. Parkison, of Oakland, and E. 
H. Kimball. 

In the fall of 1851 the little settlement thought it time to know what 
to call itself, and a meeting was held to decide the matter. No one but 
Smith had any special choice, so he had little difficulty in persuading 
the people to adopt Antioch as the name, his reason for this choice 
being that "the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." 

Early in the settlement of the place there was an epidemic of cholera, 
resulting in several deaths, and chills and fever prevailed. Farming 
failed. There was plenty of hay, however, as the valley and foothills 





'f^^^£e^ 



ANTIOCH 373 

were covered with luxuriant wild oats, and the tule land produced an 
abundance of coarse grass. But this could not yield sufficient income for 
the year round. The discouraged little band scattered. Some took their 
houses with them. The others abandoned theirs, either entirely or tem- 
porarily, and in 1852 Antioch was literally a deserted village. 

However, it did not remain long unoccupied. Smith and Kimball re- 
turned. McMaster came and built near the river front. Other families, 
at longer or shorter intervals, moved into the vicinity. There were no 
town limits, and the Hendersons, at the Arata place, the Thompsons, at 
Marsh Landing, Madam Fuller, at Oak Point, Wyatt and O'Brien, 
southwest of the paper-mill, Robert Fuller, at the ranch. Doctor Adams, 
at Oak Springs, and the Hustels, in the sand-hills, were our near neigh- 
bors. The arrival of each family made an epoch in our history, and we 
welcomed them gladly. 

The leading industry was cattle-raising. Doctor Marsh had large 
herds of wild Spanish cattle, and those who wished could have the use 
of a limited number, and half the increase for breaking them. Had their 
milking quaUties equaled the length of their horns and their athletic 
abilities, they would have been very valuable. However, what little milk 
they did give was very rich and they proved a fair investment to those 
who chose to avail themselves of Doctor Marsh's offer. 

In those days the only public conveyance between Antioch and the 
outside world was the schooner ''Enterprise," commanded by Captain 
Miller, with "Qiarley" as the crew, which made a weekly trip between 
here and San Francisco, carrying passengers and the mail and the vari- 
ous products of the farm and dairy, and bringing back from the city 
the numerous things needed by the community. My recollections of this 
craft are a mixture of gratitude and misery — gratitude for the means 
of transportation and for the invariable kindness of the captain and 
crew, and the misery of the trip — sometimes three days, and the inevi- 
table seasickness. It gave me all the boat- riding I wanted for many years. 

There were a number of children within walking distance, and we 
had several terms of school in one of the abandoned houses, at which I 
trust there was more work and less play than in the first school. 

The social function was a monthly sewing-bee and lunch, which met 
**turn about" at the several neighbors, and sewed for the hostess, and 
exchanged news. 



374 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Smith often conducted a service on Sunday, and there was occasion- 
ally a traveling preacher. 

California in its early settlement was much hampered by the Spanish 
grants, which roamed around devouring every fertile spot, and giving 
the settlers no rest for the soles of their feet. Antioch had its full share 
in this kind of trouble. Being between the Marsh grant and Los Me- 
danos the people were "warned off" first by one and then the other. 
Finally, after years of harassment and wearing litigation, it was taken 
by Los Medanos, and Galloway and Boobar bought the town. 

Antioch has always been a town with a great future. Its advantages 
as a manufacturing center were early recognized, and more or less 
feasible enterprises have marked its entire history. More than forty 
years ago McMaster started brick-kilns, and several houses were built 
from the product. Potteries have been tried many times, with sufficient 
success to prove it could be done if properly managed. Hope rose with 
the smelting works. A furnace and chimney seventy-five feet high were 
put up, and twenty or thirty more were to follow, if this was a success 
in reducing the copper ore brought from Copperopolis. The sequel is 
evident. There were no more chimneys, but the one stood many years — 
a monument to dead hope and a perennial subject for the inquisitive 
traveler. 

The development of the coal mines in the hills south of town about 
i860 was the occasion of Antioch's becoming a town in any real sense. 
It was made a shipping-point, and many teams and men were needed to 
handle the coal. This made blacksmiths and other mechanics necessary. 
Families came and stores followed. More children required better school 
facilities, and a wooden schoolhouse was built. 

There were enough who wanted regular church services. A young 
man named Morgan preached very acceptably in the schoolhouse, and 
the Congregational church society was formed. So many people made 
sufficient travel and traffic for it to be worth the while of the Stockton 
boats to stop, and wharves were built. Meanwhile people had learned by 
slow degrees that the land in eastern Contra Costa was very productive, 
if properly worked. This kept Antioch still alive when the shipping of 
coal was diverted to other points. 

These imperfect glimpses of the past show that, although our history 
has been marked all the way along by sufficient disappointment and fail- 



ANTIOCH 375 

ure to insure our keeping properly humble, yet the present condition of 
the town proves that while the growth has not been rapid, we have very 
noticeably advanced and are very comfortably expecting our great 
future. 

There is no particular in which Antioch has changed more than in its 
facilities for travel. In a previous chapter allusion has been made to the 
difficulties of communication with the outside world. These were the in- 
conveniences incident to the development of new countries. Public con- 
veyances are not liable to exist where there is a very small public to ac- 
commodate. 

The various plans to bridge over the lack of transportation were often 
amusing and sometimes disagreeable. Once, when the Stockton boat at- 
tempted to put a party ashore in a rowboat, they landed them by the 
high bank where the warehouses now are. The tide was so high that 
there was only a narrow strip of beach to stand on. Fortunately, there 
was a gentleman in the party, and by the help of his cane and the bushes 
growing on the bank he managed to reach the top. He went to the near- 
est house for help, and, finding no one at home, helped himself to their 
clothes-line, and lowering that to the others succeeded in hauling them 
to the top. 

At another time a party of three started from San Francisco in a 
small sailboat quite early in the morning. For a wonder, the wind was 
low and they were still in sight of the city at sundown. By night the 
wind was rested and ready for action, and made things almost too lively 
for the little craft, but it kept on till Bay Point was reached, where it 
was tied up to wait for a change in the tide, to come with the morning. 
When morning came one of the party, seeing a wagon loaded with hay 
and headed east, begged the privilege of finishing the journey by land. 
A strong norther was blowing ; the ride was very tedious and not at all 
luxurious; but toward night the wagon reached New York Landing, 
where an old couple took the wanderer in for the night. In the morning 
the small boat was on hand, and the journey was finished according to 
the original plan. 

Soon after the development of the coal mines and the increase of the 
population the commerce of the town warranted the building of a wharf, 
and then the Stockton boats would stop. Then, as now, that brought all 
the travel in the night. Antioch felt proud when the "Parthenius" start- 



376 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ed to make daily trips from Antioch to San Francisco. She left here at 
six in the morning and returned in the evening, giving people several 
hours in the city, and was a great convenience. But when the Southern 
Pacific was put through the steamboat was altogether too slow, and she 
soon ceased to make the trip. Now there are fifteen different ways of 
getting out of town every day, ten by railroad and five by boat, which is 
quite a contrast to once a week on a little schooner. 

PIONEER SCHOOL OF ANTIOCH 

The first attempt at a school in Antioch was held in a small cabin, which 
had been removed from an abandoned ship, belonging to Captain 
Mitchell, to a site near the present school building. The first permanent 
teacher was Adelia B. Kimball (now Mrs. A. B. Schott), a girl of 12 
years, daughter of Captain G. W. Kimball. There were about half a 
dozen young children. She taught a few months at a time for several 
years. 

The next building was a small one-room house, in the vicinity of E 
Street. Afterward Joseph Galloway gave the present grammar-school 
site, and a small wooden building was erected. Next was a two-story 
brick house, supplemented, as population increased, by wooden class 
rooms, one north and the other south of the brick building. These rooms 
becoming inadequate, and the brick building of doubtful safety, the 
present grammar-school edifice was put up in 1890. 

The second teacher was James Cruickshank, who taught a few terms. 
He was followed by Mrs. Woodruff, an exceptionally fine teacher. Af- 
terward the school had for principals J. P. Abbott, Warren Abbott, and 
Miss Carpenter, which brings it to comparatively modern times. 

In the early days we had no California State Series school books, but 
such books as the various families brought from the East. The furniture 
was anything that came handy — chairs brought from home, boxes for 
desks, anything one could reasonably use as a seat. 

STREET IMPROVEMENT 

Until a few years ago Antioch had a deserved reputation for having 
about the poorest streets of any town in the State ; now it is known far 
and wide for having the best thoroughfares of any place of equal size in 
California, and it is believed that its streets are not excelled by any city 
of its class in the United States. In fact, it was not until 1908 that any 




a 



*|A-J/ft 



. 4 K\/VYiJh/ 



ANTIOCH 377 

permanent street improvement was undertaken. Then the greater por- 
tions of L, G, Second, Fourth and Sixth streets were paved with the pe- 
troUthic process. These being the principal business and central resi- 
dence streets, the improvement was of marked value ; but the process of 
paving proved unsuited to this climate, and the pavements were soon 
worn out. It was about this time that compulsory laying of sidewalks 
was begun. The cost of the improvements at this period was slightly in 
excess of twenty-two thousand dollars, exclusive of sidewalks. In 1912 
the matter of further street improvement was taken up under the provi- 
sions of the street improvement act of 191 1, and about forty blocks on 
Third, Fourth, F, H, and I streets were paved with one-course oil ma- 
cadam. These streets, which were completed in 191 3, have proved very 
satisfactory, and give promise of great durability. The cost of paving 
these streets was, in round numbers, seventy-two thousand dollars. In 
1915-16 the streets previously paved by the petrolithic process were re- 
paved with four-inch and five-inch concrete base, with Topeka top 
dressing of one and a half inches. Also, the majority of the streets 
which had not been previously improved were paved, either through 
legal proceedings or by private contract, so that some fifty-one blocks 
of the town are now paved with concrete, which is conceded to be the 
very best and most substantial paving to be secured. Besides these im- 
provements, many blocks of good sidewalks were laid. The cost of the 
street work, not including sidewalks, retaining walls, etc., was in excess 
of one hundred and eleven thousand dollars. Altogether Antioch has ex- 
pended since 1908 for street betterment close to a quarter of a million 
of dollars. 

WATER AND SEWERAGE SYSTEMS 

Antioch was one of the first towns of this section to adopt municipal 
ownership of its water supply, and has proven a splendid example of 
the practicability and desirability of publicly owned utilities. Prior to 
the year 1903 the water supply was furnished by a private company, of 
which the Hon. Charles M. Belshaw was the head. Owing to the rapid 
growth and development of the town, the securing of more adequate 
facilities was deemed desirable, and bond issues of twenty-two thousand 
dollars were voted for a water plant and eight thousand dollars for 
sewers. In 1904 installations were completed of a modern sewer and 
drainage system and an up-to-date water system electrically operated. 



378 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

In due time the water system became inadequate to meet the demands 
of the growing population, and additions were found necessary. Ac- 
cordingly, in 1913 another bond issue of twenty-five thousand dollars 
was voted, and in 1914 larger mains were installed, a high-pressure fil- 
tration plant and an Alberger fire underwriters' centrifugal pump put in 
commission, and in 191 6 an efficient chlorination plant was added, so 
that now the water supply is equal to any demand likely to arise for 
many years, and the quality is such that it passes the most severe tests 
of the State Board of Health for purity and wholesomeness. The aver- 
age daily consumption is five hundred thousand gallons, and the average 
rate (flat-rate plan) is $1.25 a month. 

Antioch has a two-thousand-dollar Gamewell automatic fire alarm 
system and an excellent volunteer department, with splendid equipment, 
including an auto chemical truck. Insurance rates are accordingly lower 
than in many of the larger cities. 

LIGHTING SYSTEM 

Until comparatively recent years Antioch's residences had to depend 
upon oil or acetylene for lighting, and such street lights as were in- 
stalled were coal-oil lamps, which were far from satisfactory. On July 
14, 1902, H. F. Beede secured from the board of trustees a franchise for 
an electric-light system, which, however, without any profit whatsoever 
to himself he turned over to L. A. Reniff early in 1903, who installed a 
dynamo (driven by a gasoline engine) in a building near the planing- 
mill. While this was some improvement over former conditions, the ser- 
vice was not perfect by any means, and before long the plant was closed 
down and current purchased from the Pacific Gas & Electric Company 
to supply the customers. In July, 1910, the franchise passed into the 
hands of the latter company, which now gives what is well-nigh perfect 
service and at a very reasonable rate. The streets are well lighted with 
lamps ranging in candle-power from 250 to 600. Current for operating 
motors is also suppUed. In 191 5 the Contra Costa Gas Company secured 
a franchise and extended its lines to this city, and now furnishes a very 
high grade of gas for both lighting and fuel purposes. 

CELERY, ASPARAGUS, ETC. 

Not least among Antioch's manifold industries and resources is the 
growing, packing, and shipping of celery, asparagus, and other fruits 




^^^[JJP^^^M^^'-^ 






ANTIOCH 379 

and vegetables. More asparagus is shipped from this place than from 
any other town in the world, and more celery than from any other point 
in the United States. About two-thirds of the potatoes grown in the 
State are raised on the islands in the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers 
in the immediate vicinity of Antioch. The Santa Fe Refrigerator De- 
spatch operates steamers that ply the rivers and collect green fruits and 
vegetables, bringing them to Antioch, where they are placed in iced cars 
and sent to Eastern markets. So important is Antioch as a shipping 
point for this company that its Pacific Coast manager, S. M. Fulton, re- 
sides here. Exact figures were not obtainable in time for this article, but 
the approximate volume of shipments of a few of these commodities is 
annually as follows: Celery, 1200 to 1500 carloads; asparagus, 250 car- 
loads ; almonds, 7 carloads ; grapes, 70 carloads ; apricots, 10 carloads ; 
peaches, 8 carloads; dried fruits (apricots and peaches)', 2 carloads; 
hay (wheat, barley, and oats), 500 carloads ; wheat, 10 carloads ; barley, 
8 carloads. 

There are large pits of a fine quality of sand located just east of town, 
and hundreds of carloads and boatloads are shipped annually. Other 
miscellaneous products, such as potatoes, onions, beans, and various 
small fruits and berries, contribute many more carloads to the grand 
total. Altogether close to eight thousand carloads of varied products are 
shipped from Antioch every year. 

Among other interesting items concerning Antioch are the following : 
It has the finest climate on earth ; deep water-frontage where ocean- 
going vessels can and do come ; the largest paper mill west of the Missis- 
sippi ; one of the best equipped high schools in the State ; a municipally 
owned water system with plenty of filtered water; the best streets of 
any town of its size in the country ; numerous river transportation lines ; 
two transcontinental railroads ; two electric-power lines ; two banks with 
combined resources of nearly a milHon dollars; many modern stores 
with complete stocks, where goods are sold at prices so moderate that 
there is no temptation to shop in the city ; a beautiful public library, and 
many modern business and residence buildings. Antioch has a popula- 
tion upward of twenty-five hundred, and is fifty miles from San Fran- 
cisco, at the junction of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. 

This town is entering upon an era of unusual growth and develop- 
ment, and the prospects are that within a very few years it will be one 



380 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

of the most important interior towns in California. Since the comple- 
tion of the new street improvements, building has taken on fresh im- 
petus, and within the past year or two many handsome residences and 
new business buildings have been erected. A fine large brick garage (the 
third one in town) has just been completed, and the new telephone 
building will be ready for occupancy in a few weeks. Antioch is truly 
the "Metropolis of eastern Contra Costa." 



CHAPTER XXVIII 

DANVILLE 

Danville is eighteen miles south of Martinez, and is in the very choi- 
cest portion of the famous San Ramon Valley, with the beautiful Los 
Tampos Range on the west, whose varying shadows change with every 
hour of the day's sunshine and are ever admired, while Mount Diablo 
rears its towering height of nearly four thousand feet on the east. These 
physical features account for the uniform climate of the place which 
renders it so desirable for homes. 

The town had its inception some time about 1859, when Andrew and 
Daniel Inman, then owners of what is now Kelly brothers' property, 
put up the first building to be used for a blacksmith shop. Not long af- 
terward M. Cohen, of the firm of Wolf & Cohen, merchants, of Alamo, 
then a flourishing business center, saw the advantages of the location 
for a store and erected the building on the corner which, after defying 
the elements for nearly sixty years, was torn down only recently. 
About the time the store was built came the question of a name for the 
town. Inmanville and a number of others was suggested, but all proved 
unsatisfactory, when Andrew Inman proposed they should leave the 
naming to his mother-in-law, "Aunt Sallie" Young, grandmother of A. 
J. Young. She asked that it be called Danville, after her native place in 
Kentucky. 

A two-story hotel, afterward destroyed by fire, was built by a Mr. 
Harris. In this building the post-office found a home, in a windowless 
7 by 9 room, in which Harris, as postmaster, often performed his cleri- 
cal duties by the aid of a lantern. For many years the mail was carried 
from Walnut Creek on horseback. J. Madison Stowe, now mayor of 
Pacific Grove, was the mail-carrier at one time. The mail was due at 
Danville at 4 p. m. daily, and was always on time, unless "Jim" was 
challenged by some boy on the road to play a game of marbles for 
"keeps," at which time it was "unavoidably late." A second store was 
established by P. E. Peel. He was succeeded by John Conway, who for 



382 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

many years carried on a successful business. Thus by the addition of 
one enterprise after another the Httle town had a prosperous growth. 

The Grangers' hall, the first public building of the place, came in 
1872-73, and two years later the Presbyterian church was built, at that 
time the finest church edifice in the county. The first schoolhouse was 
an old building, built in 1865, and stood one mile south of town. In 1870 
it was moved to town, and occupied the identical spot where the gram- 
mar-school building now stands and which took its place in 1895. 

In the summer of 1891 the Southern Pacific Railroad reached the 
town. Soon after John Hartz surveyed and offered his addition to the 
town of Danville, the lots being soon sold, and from that time progress 
has been rapid, and the result is the achievements of the present time. 
The Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Railway made its advent in 1914, and 
by it the distance from San Francisco to Danville is reduced from 
fifty-six miles to thirty-two miles, and the schedule time is cut to half 
the former time required to make the trip. 

Danville's future is promising. Many improvements are in contem- 
plation, among them the erection of the high-school building at a cost 
of $15,000, which is to meet the requirements of the school organized 
five years ago, and a new grammar-school building will soon be needed. 
Enterprises of various kinds are to be developed. The magnificent im- 
provements at Diablo, with the expected influx of population as a re- 
sult of the sale of many lots in that estate, together with the scenic high- 
way to the summit, promises much. El Rio has done much and will do 
more for the future of Danville. 

It is eminently proper here, in addition to those already mentioned, 
to name a few of the many pioneers who have been instrumental in the 
development of Danville and the adjoining region : Thomas Flournoy, J. 
J. Kerr, John P. Chrisman, J. E. Close, R. O. Baldwin, William Z. Stone, 
William Meese, D. N. Sherburne, Charles Wood, Dr. J. L. Labarce, A. 
J. Young, J. O. Stewart, and R. B. Love. 



CHAPTER XXIX 
PITTSBURG 

BY OTIS LOVERIDGE 

Pittsburg, with about six thousand people, is the second largest city in 
Contra Costa County. Its location is a logical one for the building of a 
manufacturing and distributing city, being at the point where the Sac- 
ramento and San Joaquin rivers join with the deep waters of Suisun 
bay, and also on the principal railways that radiate from the bay cities 
to all parts of the State and Nation, thereby having access to both river 
and ocean traffic. 

The natural advantages of the present site of Pittsburg first attracted 
attention as far back as 1847, when the United States Army and Naval 
Engineers investigated it as a possible military and naval base. Their re- 
port was in every way favorable, but the project was never carried out. 

A townsite was surveyed and christened ''New York of the Pacific." 
Upon the discovery of coal near Mount Diablo, about fifty years ago, 
the place became known as Black Diamond. It is believed that a large 
coal-field in that region still remains undeveloped. In 1909 the present 
name of Pittsburg was appropriately bestowed, the town having shown 
conclusively that it was to become a great manufacturing center. 

It is interesting to note that in 1850 a strong effort was made to re- 
move the State capitol, then at San Jose, to New York of the Pacific. 
The proposition was submitted to a vote of the people, but was defeated 
by a small margin. General Sherman, in his "Early Recollections of 
California," says: 'T made a contract to survey for Colonel J. D. 
Stevenson his newly projected city of New York of the Pacific, situated 
at the mouth of the San Joaquin River. The contract also embraced the 
making of soundings and the marking out of a channel in Suisun Bay. 
We hired in San Francisco a small metallic boat with a sail, laid in 
some stores, and proceeded to the United States ship 'Ohio.' At Gen- 
eral Smith's request we surveyed and marked the line dividing the city 
of Benicia from the government reserve. We then sounded the bay, 



384 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

back and forth, and staked out the best channel up Suisun Bay. We 
then made the preUminary survey of the city of New York of the Pa- 
cific, which we duly plotted." 

About ten years ago Pittsburg began its industrial growth, which 
will undoubtedly continue until it ranks as one of the larger cities of 
California. Its previous support had been that of the coal mines and 
the fishing industry. The present industrial growth is largely the result 
of the industry and foresight of the late C. A. Hooper, one of the 
State's most successful financiers, who some years ago became the own- 
er of the Rancho los Medanos, an old Spanish grant on which the town- 
site is located. Mr. Hooper was a man of extraordinary vision as to the 
future, and believed firmly that Pittsburg was ^ city of destiny. In 
every way possible he fostered and promoted the town's upbuilding. At 
his death, in July, 1914, he was succeeded in the management of his en- 
terprises and companies by W. E. Creed, his son-in-law, a well-known 
lawyer of San Francisco. Mr. Creed, since assuming the management 
of the estate, has demonstrated that he too is deeply interested in Pitts- 
burg's welfare and development, and is devoting himself with earnest- 
ness and vigor to that end. 

As a deep-water shipping point, Pittsburg possesses advantages un- 
surpassed by any other city on the Pacific Coast. Ocean-going vessels, 
loading and unloading cargoes, are a daily sight at her docks. Her ship- 
ping facilities will be further enhanced by the dredging operations in 
Suisun Bay from Martinez to Pittsburg, a survey having been reported 
upon favorably by the chief of the Army engineers in January, 1916. 
With thousands of acres of level land stretching away from the water- 
front, the town has every incentive for becoming a great manufacturing 
center. 

Pittsburg has a pay-roll of more than two million dollars annually, 
with a list of industrial enterprises that have long since passed the ex- 
perimental stage, and are in fact among the largest and most important 
of their kind on the Western Coast. 

The transportation facilities of Pittsburg are unexcelled by any other 
city on the bay. In addition to the splendid shipping advantages noted 
above, Pittsburg is served by two main-line railroads, the Southern Pa- 
cific and the Santa Fe, and the interurban electric line of the Oakland, 
Antioch & Eastern Railway. There are forty-two passenger trains daily. 



PITTSBURG 385 

Several lines of river steamers also run to and from her docks, carrying 
freight and passengers. 

Pittsburg takes great pride in her public schools. She has recently- 
completed an eighty-five-thousand-dollar grammar school, and employs 
the latest methods along every line for the mental, physical, and es- 
thetic advancement and uplift of the children. The pupils receive in- 
struction in music, athletics, folk-dancing, and military drill. Thus their 
growing characters are rounded out in a manner equal to the results at- 
tained in much larger cities. The physical welfare of the pupils is care- 
fully watched by a trained nurse, who daily visits the various classes, 
Avhose average daily attendance is 850 pupils. 

Turning to Pittsburg's various industries, we find that one of the 
earliest established plants was that of the Redwood Manufacturers 
Company, which has a capitalization of one million dollars and operates 
here one of the largest woodworking plants in the world, making into 
finished products redwood and pine lumber, which is brought in by 
coastwise vessels from the great forests of the northern coast. The com- 
pany also carries large stocks of northern fir and other woods. The 
manufacturing facilities of the Redwood Manufacturers Company is 
second only to their immense stock, and its product finds a ready mar- 
ket in almost every civilized community in the world where wood prod- 
ucts are used. 

Residents of Pittsburg are justly proud of the modern plant of the 
Columbia Steel Company. Many improvements have been made since 
the establishment was founded, about seven years ago, the company 
having recently made extensions that will increase its capacity by fifty 
per cent. By its modern and efficient methods of manufacture, the Col- 
umbia Steel Company has secured the bulk of the steel-casting trade on 
the Pacific Coast, and by continually improving its plant and keeping up 
a high order of skill among its employees, of whom, there are five hun- 
dred, there is no prospect of anything but progress and advancement. 

A few years ago almost all steel castings were made in Eastern 
foundries and shipped out to the coast, thereby entailing much expense 
and delay to the customers. Now it is possible to obtain quick deliveries 
and excellent quality at lower prices than was ever before possible. As 
a consequence the whole Pacific Coast has been benefited, and the in- 
dustries using this product have been greatly stimulated. 



386 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Again we use a superlative in describing another of Pittsburg's in- 
terests. The Bowers Rubber Works is the largest factory for the manu- 
facture of rubber products west of Chicago. Fire hose, belting, packing, 
automobile tires, and several other products comprise the output of this 
concern. Its plant is equipped with up-to-date machinery, and the build- 
ings and grounds cover a considerable acreage. The plant is a model of 
neatness and is located on the water-front, giving the plant access to 
both water and rail transportation. A ready market is found, not only in 
the principal cities of the United States, but in many foreign countries. 
About 250 men are employed in the work. Bowers Rubber Works is a 
valuable asset to the county, and Pittsburg in turn is proud to be its 
home. 

The only electro-chemical plant on the Pacific Coast is in operation 
at Pittsburg. There is no other plant of this kind west of Detroit. The 
Great Western Electro-Chemical Company is the name of the organiza- 
tion, which is capitalized at two and a half million dollars. Caustic soda 
and chloride of lime, commonly known as bleaching powder, will 
be manufactured at the plant. Caustic soda, or lye, enters largely 
in the manufacture of soap, and is also an important adjunct in 
the refining of oil and the preserving of fruit. There are many uses for 
chloride of lime, but the largest demand for it arises from the fact that 
it forms the base of a large number of fire extinguishers. Salt and 
burnt lime are important agencies in the manufacture of these chemical 
products, and as both are found in large quantities around the bay sec- 
tion, the selection of Pittsburg as a site for the plant was a fortunate 
one. As the name, electro-chemical, implies, electricity is used as an aid 
to the mechanical manufacture of the chemical products. Two hundred 
or more men are employed in this plant. 

Pittsburg has as one of its water-front industries the plant of B. P. 
Lanteri, shipwright and dredger builder. His plant is situated on the 
south banks of what is known as New York Slough, about three-quar- 
ters of a mile east of the city of Pittsburg. The location is particularly 
well adapted to this plant, inasmuch as it is close to the delta country, 
where dredgers are extensively operated, and also on account of its 
shipping facilities, with spur tracks from two transcontinental main 
lines in the yard, with deep water so that steam schooners and sea-going 
vessels can discharge lumber and materials on the wharf, making a 



PITTSBURG 387 

minimum cost for cartage and handling. Here have been built six of the 
largest clam-shell dredgers in the world, some of them swinging 230- 
foot booms, which until the present had never been attempted. Although 
this firm does considerable dredger building and repairing, it also does 
all kinds of boat and barge building and designing, having designed and 
built some of the best gasoline towboats in and about the bay regions, 
and having just completed and launched from its ways the ferryboat 
''City of Seattle," which is to operate between Martinez and Benicia. 

On account of the rare facilities found here for distribution, Pitts- 
burg is made the base of operations for the largest fish concerns on the 
coast, and is the center of the fishing industry of the rivers of the State. 
Fully a thousand men devote their entire time to the catching of fish, 
and to this class of labor half a million dollars is paid annually. The 
fish chiefly taken from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers are 
salmon, striped bass, shad, and catfish. In order to give some idea of the 
extent of this industry, it is only necessary to state that during the can- 
ning season three tons of shad-roe (fish eggs)' are obtained daily by one 
firm from that one kind of fish. Shad-roe is a new by-product that is 
being extensively developed and for which there is a growing demand. 

While the principal offices of some of our fish concerns are located in 
San Francisco, the business of packing and distributing the products is 
carried on at Pittsburg because of the superior advantages found here 
for shipping. The fishing business is followed largely by ItaUans, whose 
large famiUes have supplied much of the labor employed in other in- 
dustrial lines. The business of fishing is carried on in such a quiet way 
that the casual observer has no conception of the magnitude of the in- 
dustry, covering, as it does, shipments to all parts of the world. 

Among the large operators of the fishing industry are the American 
Fish & Oyster Company, and the F. E. Booth Company, the latter em- 
ploying from two to three hundred men several months in the year in 
their canning operations, in addition to their packing business. 

The Los Medanos Rancho, a tract of land of approximately ten 
thousand acres, was originally granted by the Mexican Government in 
1835 to Jose Antonio Mesa and Jose Miguel Garcia, or Mesa, and was 
finally patented October 8, 1872, by the United States Government to 
their successors, Jonathan D. Stevenson et al. In 1849 and 1850 the 
Mesas conveyed the ranch to Stevenson and others, who laid out upon 



388 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

it a site for a city, known for a long time as "New York of the Pacific." 
From this circumstance it derived the name "New York Ranch," by 
which it is sometimes known. Its true name, "Los Medanos," is derived 
from the sand hills that sweep down to the river adjoining the eastern 
boundary of the ranch; the word "Medanos" means sand-drift, or sand- 
hill, or what is commonly known as a "sand spit." Stevenson and his 
associates disposed of the property to one of the pioneer banking con- 
cerns of San Francisco, namely, Pioche, Bayerque & Co., who after a 
term of years in turn transferred it to L. L. Robinson, a California pi- 
oneer railroad builder and mining operator, and he at his death be- 
queathed the property to his sister, Mrs. Cutter, of San Francisco, from 
whom the title passed to the present owners, C. A. Hooper & Co. 

The tract as a whole is a rich agricultural property, and during early 
years and up to the ownership of L. L. Robinson was devoted to graz- 
ing and stock-growing. Robinson during his lifetime divided the prop- 
erty into farming subdivisions containing from three hundred to six 
hundred acres and leased them to farmers, some of whom are still on 
the property, having found it both a pleasant and profitable place to live. 

There has grown up on the rancho, on its water-front, two consider- 
able towns — Antioch, on its eastern boundary, and Pittsburg, about 
midway. With the rancho's central location at the confluence of the San 
Joaquin and Sacramento rivers, and at a point where the traffic from 
the interior of the State and country passes to and fro from the cities 
around San Francisco Bay, very likely it will not be long until its acre- 
age will pass from agriculture to an industrial manufacturing and dis- 
tributing center and furnish homes for a large mercantile and industrial 
population. 

Pittsburg has about twelve miles of paved and macadamized streets, 
well lighted, and every street in the improved area is sewered and ma- 
cadamized. Contrary to the general rule of the newer towns of the Pa- 
cific Coast, Pittsburg is compactly built, although in no way congested, 
thus enabling it to have every street fully improved. 

A hotel (The Los Medanos) has just been completed on Cumberland 
Street between Eighth and Ninth streets, which doubtless marks a new 
era in the development of the town. The building will probably cost 
$60,000. It is to be one of the best hotels on the Pacific Coast outside of 
the larger cities, and will be modern in every respect. Every conve- 



PITTSBURG 389 

nience necessary is to be had. Every room has hot and cold water, elec- 
tric lights, telephone, steam heat, and rooms en suite with private baths. 
The hotel is to be luxuriously furnished throughout. 

Within the last two years there have been erected in Pittsburg many 
brick business blocks, and there are now planned several more. Also 
within the year there will be under way the building of the new Catholic 
church, at a cost of from $25,000 to $30,000, the site having already 
been secured. The Congregational people have also planned a new build- 
ing, and intend to spend an equal if not greater amount in their im- 
provement. 

The Pittsburg Dispatch, of Pittsburg, California, was financed and 
launched by A. P. Betterworth, recently postmaster at Elk Grove, and 
H. C. Jackson, reporter of the Sacramento Union, the first issue being 
published January 3, 1917. For one week the experiment was tried of 
publishing a daily, but at the end of that time the owners decided that 
the field was hardly ready for such a publication, hence the sheet was 
placed on a semi-weekly basis. The plant of the Pittsburg Dispatch is 
well equipped, and as soon as the growing business of a growing town 
justifies the move the publication of the daily will be resumed. 



CHAPTER XXX 
BAY POINT 

BY CHARLES L. TRABERT 

In connection with his great lumber interests in Oregon and Califor- 
nia, C. A. Smith during the summer of 1907 began an investigation of 
the possible sites on San Francisco and adjacent bays for the establish- 
ing of a much needed manufacturing and distributing plant for his 
product. Three essentials had to be considered — proximity to railroad 
lines for shipment of the forest product, deep water for his vessels that 
brought the raw product from the mills, and proper drying conditions 
for lumber. After much investigation, the Contra Costa County shore 
and Suisun Bay was decided upon as most attractive. The present site 
of Bay Point was then ranch land and tule bog. Smith, with a compan- 
ion, went over the district afoot, and in crossing the fields now occupied 
by the town-site was held up at the point of a gun by one of the owners 
of the property as a trespasser and ordered off the premises. Naturally, 
he complied with such moral suasion. 

However, the attractive site and suitable location for his purpose was 
settled in his mind, and shortly thereafter he became acquainted with 
the owners of the property he coveted. On November 26, 1907, a deal 
was made with the Cunningham heirs and those of A. H. Neeley, con- 
veying to Smith's interests about fifteen hundred acres and a mile and 
a half of tide-water frontage, now Bay Point. This land, while original- 
ly a part of a Spanish grant, had been patented to the antecedents of 
the Cunninghams and Neeleys by General Grant when President of the 
United States. 

On part of this tract was immediately established the Bay Point plant 
of the C. A. Smith Lumber Company, and a strip 2658 feet wide on tide- 
water, extending back to the foothills, was reserved for the town-site, 
officially designated on the filed plats as "The City of Bay Point." The 
transcontinental tracks of the Southern Pacific Company and the Atchi- 
son, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway Company divide the town-site into 



BAY POINT 391 

practically two equal parts. That portion between the railways and the 
bay was set aside for manufacturing sites, and the portion between the 
railroads and the foothills of Monte del Diablo was immediately platted 
as the town proper, the idea being to provide a site for the homes of the 
employees of the C A. Smith Lumber Company. 

At the time of the purchase the property that later became Bay Point 
consisted of a post-office, a grain warehouse, a ranch house, a saloon, 
and a general store. Before long it began to grow, and today it has a 
population of about one thousand people. The town has a ten-thousand- 
dollar graded school and a number of excellent stores handling gro- 
ceries, meats, drugs, hardware, general merchandise, and in fact every- 
thing necessary in a community of this kind. There are two churches 
(Congregational and Catholic), with another (Lutheran) about to be 
built. Here in the shadow of Monte del Diablo, where rail and water 
meet, are the neat and happy homes of hundreds of contented citizens. 
The Club House and office building of the C. A. Smith Lumber Com- 
pany are notable for a city of the size. Streets, curbs, and sidewalks 
are established and a sewer system is completed. 

The water supply is provided by four wells, each one hundred feet 
deep, located in the foothills one and a half miles from the town. The 
water is pumped from these wells to two large tanks upon the hill back 
of the town. The bases of the tanks are from seventy to ninety feet 
higher than the town, and the water is distributed by gravity at good 
pressure. 

In disposing of the town property, the C. A. Smith Lumber Company 
put into the deeds a clause forever preventing the sale of liquor; so Bay 
Point until recently had no saloons. Owing to the activities of "boot- 
leggers'' and "blind pigs" the liquor question became a serious one to 
the citizens. After a conference, the company consented to put a saloon 
upon its land not included in the liquor restrictions and turn the whole 
business over to a club of the citizens of Bay Point as a municipal 
saloon as soon as it had paid for itself. This was done May 10, 1916. 
This arrangement makes Bay Point unique in the family of cities, and 
has brought her much note from political economists and sociologists 
the country over. The municipal liquor business is being watched with 
interest by many people. In the conveyance of the saloon to the club 
of citizens provision has been made that all profits from the business 



392 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

shall be used for the benefit of all the people of Bay Point ; and fur- 
ther, that the sale of wines and liquors shall be conducted in such man- 
ner that the cause of temperance will be legitimately promoted. As a 
result, the traffic in liquor has been lessened, drunkenness done away 
with absolutely, and new sidewalks, streets, and improvements are 
planned and under way which will make the town a model village at no 
cost to the taxpayer. 

Bay Point is admirable as a manufacturing site, and will undoubt- 
edly in the future be a strong rival of other San Francisco Bay cities 
in the manufacture of Pacific Coast products. 



CHAPTER XXXI 

CROCKETT 

This town on the Straits of Carquinez, about six miles below Mar- 
tinez, named in honor of ex -Judge J. B. Crockett, late of the California 
Supreme Bench, is pleasantly located, with a fine outlook over the San 
Pablo Bay to the Coast Range, from Mount Tamalpais to the mountains 
of Mendocino in one direction, and to the Sierra Nevada in another. 
The location of Heald's extensive machine-shops and foundry at that 
point created the necessity for the considerable growth of the town. 

Crockett is located on a part of what was known as the Edwards 
ranch. As originally planned, the town-site consisted of eighteen blocks, 
divided into lots fifty by one hundred feet, the streets running east and 
west. 

The following item, taken from the Sacramento Record-Union of 
November 24, 1881, is the earliest mention of the town: **A town to be 
called Crocker [Crockett] has been laid out on the south shore of Car- 
quinez Straits, seven miles below Martinez at Vallona Station. It is 
named in honor of Supreme Judge Crocker [Crockett]." 

Thomas Edwards, the original owner of the town-site of Crockett, 
was born in North Wales, April 5, 181 2. When fourteen years of age 
Edwards left his native country and began a seafaring life, which he 
followed for ten years. After quitting the sea, he obtained employment 
in the capacity of mate on the steamers engaged in the immense trade 
of the Mississippi. It was at this time that he formed the acquaintance 
of W. C. Ralston, then steamboat clerk, and also of J. B. Crockett, 
who had just commenced the practice of law. The friendship thus be- 
gan lasted throughout life. On February 19, 1843, he married Mary 
Pugh, a native of North Wales, born July 20, 1819. In May, 1849, he 
started for California. Spending the winter in Louisa County, Iowa, he 
went westward to Council Bluffs the following spring, where a com- 
pany of about forty men and ten wagons was formed. Mrs. Edwards 
and a friend from St. Louis were the only ladies in the party. The final 



394 HISYORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

march was commenced early in May, 1850, via Fort Hall and Lassen's 
Cutoff. After traveling a few hundred miles together, Edwards and his 
family stopped for a day on the Platte River to rest the teams, thus al- 
lowing the remainder of the party to hurry on. The rest of the way 
across the plains was made alone. Journeying two thousand miles, Cali- 
fornia was reached in September, 1850, the first stopping-place being on 
Mormon Slough, near Stockton, where they remained three weeks. 
After conducting affairs in Knight's Ferry and other localities, they 
moved to Carquinez Straits and engaged in farming and stock-raising. 
The farm comprised 1800 acres. In 1881 an arrangement was entered 
into with Heald by which a foundry was established on the place and the 
town of Crockett laid out. 

Joseph Bryant Crockett was born in Kentucky, 1809, of an old Scot- 
tish-American family. He was admitted to the practice of the law in 
Kentucky at the age of twenty-two, and soon after founded the St. 
Louis Intelligencer, a Whig paper, which he conducted with great abil- 
ity for some time. Arriving in California in 1852, he again took up his 
law practice, his partners being Page, Whiting, Joseph Napthaly, and 
Congressman Piper. In 1868 he was appointed Supreme Justice by Gov- 
ernor Haight, and in 1869 was elected to succeed himself for the long 
term (ten years), which he filled out. Judge Crockett called and pre- 
sided over the first public meeting held for the purpose of establishing 
the public library of San Francisco. 

CROCKETT A GREAT SUGAR CENTER 
(From the Fifth Booster Edition of the ByronTimes) 

Crockett is one of the most substantial, busy, and energetic indus- 
trial cities of Contra Costa County, made famous because of the splen- 
did achievements and enterprise of the CaUfornia &: Hawaiian Sugar 
Refining Company, whose annual production of manufactured sugar 
products is valued at about $30,350,000 ; its pay-roll is $625,000 a year, 
and nearly 700 employees are made happy. 

The big plant and improvements at Crockett represent an investment 
of some $7,000,000, making this one of the most modern and complete 
sugar refineries in the world. 

Crockett has many attractions and conveniences ; has a fine water- 
front, with a commodious harbor capable of receiving the largest of 



CROCKETT 395 

ocean-going steamships ; has fine hotels, general merchandise stores, 
business establishments, and schools and churches, and provides every- 
thing necessary for the happiness of its inhabitants. 

Public parks and playgrounds for children, with rest-rooms and many 
conveniences that aid health and create happiness, are special features 
provided by the founders of Crockett. 

Every year a great May Day celebration is held in Crockett under the 
personal direction of the general manager of the CaUfornia & Hawaiian 
Sugar Refining Company, which is participated in by officials of that 
big organization and by the hundreds of employees of the company, the 
citizens of Crockett, and thousands of invited guests from all parts of 
the county and State. 

The big event in 1916 was unusually noticeable because it was com- 
bined with dedication exercises in honor of the new Y. M. C. A. Build- 
ing, the new Carquinez Women's Clubhouse, and other grand improve- 
ments given to the city by the California & Hawaiian Sugar Refining 
Company for the pleasure and comfort of the citizens of Crockett. 

A special feature was the May-pole dance, participated in by several 
hundred beautiful little children, daughters of the employees of the 
sugar refinery and business men and women of Crockett. 

The 191 6 celebration was made a royal holiday event. Invited guests 
from the cities and towns around were there through special invitation. 
There was a great floral and decorated float parade. Automobiles gaily 
bedecked added to the grandeur of the occasion, while bands of music 
played, and every one was made welcome and happy as the guests of 
the people of Crockett. 

In the evening a grand carnival was held, followed by a masked ball, 
which was attended by many notable and prominent people of San 
Francisco, Crockett, and the country around. 

It was a happy, joyous event, creating, as it did, a feeling of friend- 
ship and reciprocity among employers and employed, making them for 
the time being one big family of people interested in the present, future, 
and advancing interests of Crockett, as a home place for intelligent and 
contented workmen who appreciate the very best of treatment, such as 
is accorded by the California & Hawaiian Sugar Refining Company 
and its officers and heads of departments. 

It is such interests as these May Day occasions and celebrations which 



396 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

have done much to cement the strong friendship existing between cap- 
ital and labor at Crockett, and which go far toward making this an ideal 
industrial city. 

In this connection, it is a pleasure and very timely to mention George 
M. Rolph, general manager of the California & Hawaiian Sugar Re- 
fining Company, who as the head of this big industry at Crockett has 
always taken much interest in the people and the development of the 
city. 

He has taken that personal part in activities which proves his sincer- 
ity, and he enjoys the personal regard, respect, and esteem of every 
man, woman, and child in Crockett, not only among those employed by 
his big refinery, but among the people of every class. 

George M. Rolph is really and truly a man who does things. His men 
rely upon him in time of need and are ever ready to work for and with 
him in time of emergencies. It is men of this character and heart who 
are recognized as leaders in action and who are usually found at the top 
directing great industrial enterprises. 

Crockett also has a Citizens' Improvement Association, organized for 
exploitation, publicity, and the general advancement of the city. Meri- 
torious enterprises are fostered, aided, and encouraged, entertainment 
features are provided for the town, and the idea is to create more in- 
terest in Crockett and its attractions. Like every other city in Contra 
Costa County, Crockett enjoyed unparalleled building activities in 191 5- 
16, which still continue unabated. Nearly all of the new edifices are 
residences, modern in every respect. The residence section is rapidly 
extending on the hills overlooking the business section. 

CALIFORNIA AND HAWAIIAN SUGAR REFINING CO. 

The town of Crockett — Queen City of the Carquinez Straits — is to be 
congratulated on having within its boundaries one of the largest indus- 
tries of the Pacific Coast — the California & Hawaiian Sugar Refining 
Company. 

This refinery is in operation 300 days of the year, and is the only 
sugar refinery in the world where the men work in shifts of eight hours 
each. The output of refined sugar is about 950 tons per day, or 280,000 
tons per annum. 



CROCKETT 397 

This sugar is shipped in packages of various styles and weights, not 
only to all the Pacific Coast States — some of it going as far north as 
Alaska and as far away as the Philippines — but its distribution extends 
as far east as Illinois. 

The raw sugar from which this refined product is obtained comes 
principally from the Hawaiian Islands in the great freighters that ply 
between San Francisco and the Hawaiian ports. At times it has been 
even necessary to bring it from points as far away as Peru and Java. 
Almost any day from December until the following October, steamers 
of immense carrying capacity may be seen discharging at the wharves 
of this company. 

Mechanical contrivances of all sorts, such as slat and belt conveyors 
of every description, aid in unloading one of these 8000 to 13,000-ton 
steamers, discharging 2500 tons daily. 

The raw sugar is then placed in one of the vast warehouses located 
on the company's land, which, by the way, has a deep water- frontage 
of 2400 feet. It is drawn on by the refinery later as needed in the process 
of manufacture. 

A visit to this refinery would prove most interesting. Here one may 
see the large vacuum pans which boil fifty tons of sugar every two 
hours, the great boilers which require hundreds of barrels of oil per 
day to keep the machinery in motion, machines for weighing and sack- 
ing the granulated sugar, machines for putting sugar in cartons which 
automatically pack and seal thirty-two five-pound cartons every minute. 

In turning out from 17,000 to 18,000 bags of sugar per day, each bag 
containing the finished product, 25,000 yards of cotton cloth are made 
up daily as inner-liners, which are fine, white bags, placed inside the 
coarser jute bags to keep the sugar immaculately clean. 

While the refinery and extensive warehouses are a great part of this 
industry, the company has also given a substantial evidence of its in- 
terest in the town of Crockett and the welfare of its employees in the 
splendid hotel it owns, equipped with all modern conveniences, lobby, 
card rooms, and a pleasant dining-room, where the best food is served ; 
the Y. M. C. A. Building, erected at a cost of about $50,000, with its 
splendid swimming pool, gymnasium, Ubrary, billiard room and numer- 
ous sleeping rooms ; and that the feminine portion of Crockett and vi- 



398 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

cinity may not feel neglected, the management has built a beautiful 
building which is used as a women's club, where spare hours may be 
comfortably enjoyed. 

In fact, no better example can be found in the West of an effort on 
the part of a corporation to maintain right relations between employer 
and employee than exists in the town of Crockett. 




^4" ^^^^^^^^^hC- 



CHAPTER XXXII 
OAKLEY AND SAND LANDS 

BY R. C. MARSH 

In the fall of 1897 I bought a small acreage in the northwest quarter 
of section 25, township 2 north, range 2 east, in eastern Contra Costa 
County, and moved on it the following February. At that time there had 
been five surveys made by the Santa Fe Company, but no definite deci- 
sion was reached as to its location. It was evident the railroad wanted 
to avoid the orchards as much as possible and at the same time enter 
Antioch by the water-front. Our nearest station was at Neroley, a flag 
station on the Southern Pacific Railroad, about three miles south from 
where Oakley now stands. Something of an effort had also been made 
prior to this time to get a post-office established there. It was a little 
premature, however, and the effort was abandoned. 

A few days after I had moved in a surveying party came along near 
my cabin, carefully setting a line of stakes. They told me that was to be 
the Santa Fe line, and that my house would have to be moved. A short 
time after the agents came along, trying to buy the necessary rights-of- 
way. The company had figured upon having but one station between 
Antioch and the San Joaquin River, and there was quite a difference of 
opinion among its officers as to where it would be best to locate this sta- 
tion. G. W. Knight's place, three and a half miles east from this point, 
was finally chosen as being the nearest to the Southern Pacific line, and 
would very likely draw most trade from that point. That station the 
company proposed to name Meganos. It had not, however, made a good 
guess on the loyalty of our leading sand-lappers, viz., James O'Hara, 
Andrew Walker, and B. F. Porter. These leaders said, "No, gentlemen ; 
we will not sell you a right of way across the northwest quarter of sec- 
tion 25, but we will give you the land desired if you will sign an agree^ 
ment to put down at least a half-mile of side-track, put up a small room 
for shelter while waiting for trains, and build us a station whenever the 
business will justify." That agreement was signed in due time, and the 
sand-lappers had scored their first home run. 



400 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Before grading was well under way an agitation was started for a 
post-office, without waiting for the advent of the trains, and I was se- 
lected as the one to represent our people before Uncle Sam. This was 
done successfully, and in due time I received the first letter that was 
ever addressed to Oakley, Cal. It was mailed by our Postmaster-General 
at Washington, D. C, September 9, 1898, certifying to my appointment 
as postmaster at Oakley, California. My commission was dated Sep- 
tember 7, 1898. The usual amount of supplies was sent to the postmaster 
at Antioch for me. My instructions were to open the office whenever I 
was ready, run it to suit myself for two months, then report. The office 
was opened November i, 1898, the instructions were followed, and the 
rest is detail work and public history. Our first eight months of mail 
service was conducted from here to Antioch and return six times a 
week, by cart, and was largely successful, through the loyalty of A. N. 
Norcross and Daniel Methven, with an occasional quarter from other 
loyal hearts to help buy horse- feed, and yours truly running a relief 
trip semi-occasionally to help out. At the end of eight months Uncle 
Sam took charge of the carrying service and sent us our mail from 
Brentwood via Oakley to Bethel, another new post-office back in the big 
bend of the San Joaquin River. The change relieved me from some of 
the responsibilities, as well as indicating permanency of establishment. 

The Santa Fe Company had undertaken to build across the tule lands 
to get into Stockton, and consequently had a great deal of trouble from 
its tracks sinking. The road ran southeast from here until it reached the 
section-line, two miles south of Oakley, and from there into Stockton 
on the section-line. After what we thought were many long delays the 
company named July i, 1900, as the time to put on its first passenger 
train. I was ready for it, receiving and dispatching mail by the first 
train — and the sand-lappers had scored their second home run. 

Oakley had been located on section 25, township 2 north, range 2 
east. This section was railroad-grant land, and was put on the market 
in 1897 by James O'Hara at fifty dollars an acre, all being sold inside of 
two years. Much of it has been resold two and three times over, and al- 
ways at an advance. This so-called orchard land is quite sandy, and in 
early days was a haven of rest for coyote and jack- rabbit, and those 
people that had courage to locate on it were sneeringly referred to as 
'*sand-lappers." When fruit-trees were introduced the jacks became a 



OAKLEY AND SAND LANDS 401 

bane to the fruit-grower. This section was known far and wide as the 
happy hunting-ground of the river men, where the tired hunter, after 
his evening feed of broiled jack-rabbit, would be serenaded to sleep and 
dreams of shining gold nuggets by the silver-toned coyotes. There are 
but few hiding-places left for Mr. Jack Rabbit. The almond is boss of 
the road now in these parts. 

James O'Hara was the most extensive real-estate dealer in this part 
of the country, and was generally reckoned as the pioneer and father of 
the Oakley fruit and almond industry. This is decidedly correct. He is 
also sometimes referred to as the "Father of Oakley." Strictly speaking, 
that was not correct. But by forcing the deal he made with the Santa 
Fe Company, he helped to make possible the Oakley of the future. It 
might have come later anyway, but not so soon. Being postmaster here 
then, I was naturally looking for a line on coming developments, and 
first bought a flat-iron corner of Porter & Walker that the Santa Fe 
had cut from off the southwest corner of section 24. I offered J. A. 
Jesse the best lot of the piece absolutely free of cost if he would build 
on it and put in a stock of groceries. He complied, and we traded. 
While that was being done I moved the post-office building onto another 
part of the lot — and Oakley town was in embryo. Shortly after this I 
got a line on the Haven nineteen-acre lot across the road in section 25. 
Associating N. A. Norcross with myself, we purchased that property, 
platted and recorded it — and Oakley was on the map. We next made 
substantial concessions to J. M. Augusto to get a blacksmith-shop start- 
ed. To show that Augusto is satisfied, I quote his own words — that he 
has made a thousand dollars for every dollar that he invested in the lot. 
Then two lots were sold to Brentwood parties for $125. They were re- 
sold inside of two weeks for $250. The boom was on. 

In the early spring of 1905 our loony sand-lappers began to swell up 
to an alarming extent, thirsting for more notoriety. A public meeting 
was held, and Oakley was pledged to a Fourth of July celebration, with 
a jack-rabbit barbecue dinner. What a guffaw went up over the whole 
country. ''What gall ! What monumental cheek !" came from all points. 
Our boldness gave other towns the shivers, and not one of them dared 
enter the field against us. We got a flag-pole from Washington, an ora- 
tor from Stockton, a quartet from Antioch, and our neighborhood 
rhymsters being at their best, there was no lack of entertainment. As 



402 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



fifteen hundred gift fans were far short of the demand, two thousand 
guests was the estimate of the number present. Thirty gallons of ice- 
cream was licked up before one o'clock. One stand took in eighty-five 
dollars for soda-water alone — and Oakley scored another home run. 
Great guns ! it was a hot day — no in the shade ! 

While this town and the surrounding sand country have had no phe- 
nomenal growth or land boom, there has been at all times a steady, 
healthy increase in population as well as in improvements and over five 
hundred per cent increase in land values, with a certainty of further 
advance in the near future. 

The Rickert lot of fifteen acres on the east was added to the town- 
site in 1909 by the late James O'Hara, and has been largely settled upon 
already. Another addition of larger suburban lots was added by R. C. 
Marsh. We have one rural free delivery route eighteen and a half miles 
in length, serving a hundred and twenty families, and we are to get an- 
other in the near future. With two halls subject to our whims for social 
and club entertainments, with four churches to lead the people in the 
way they should go, with a three-room schoolhouse (now badly over- 
crowded) to teach the young idea how to shoot, and a gradual increase 
in population, it is only a question of time for us to reach corporation 
and judicial district size. I have said the next station east of us was 
named Meganos by the Santa Fe Company. It being located on Knight's 
farm, the people there wanted it called Knightsen, and beat the Santa 
Fe to it by asking Uncle Sam for a post-office, to be named Knightsen, 
with George W. Knight as postmaster. They won out, and Knightsen 
had scored a home run. Lyon Brothers, or what is now known as the 
Miller-Cummings Company, have an asparagus packing plant here, in 
which they pack and ship asparagus for the Eastern market, sending 
out from two to four cars a day during the shipping season, which lasts 
about seventy-five days. 

We have a farmer's club of fifty members that keeps in touch with 
our State University, which sends us lectures on any subject whenever 
desired, free for the asking, and which is appreciated by all. There is 
also a live-wire Ladies' Oakley Improvement Club of about thirty mem- 
bers that helps us look after our dimes and quarters when it thinks 
there are any improvements needed. Its members are top-notchers, too, 
and grease the track for an occasional progressive whist party. 





1/ k^rctfVf-^ 



OAKLEY AND SAND LANDS 403 

Why are there so many churches in Oakley ? That question has been 
asked many times. The one word "jealousy" would give almost a com- 
plete answer. At the time I located here there was a small Methodist 
church in the country two and a half miles southwest of Oakley. A few 
of our people went to church there quite regularly for a time, several 
denominations being represented. Finally a get-together meeting was 
called, with the idea of moving the church to Oakley and all joining in 
one service. Five meetings, I believe, were held, two of them in my 
house, and the more we got together the farther we got apart, and final- 
ly the effort was abandoned. The Congregational Mission was first on 
the ground here, with preaching and Sunday-school under an oak tree, 
services being conducted by Rev. Paul Bandy. They soon had a church 
organization in sight, two lots donated, and the lumber on the ground 
for a Congregational church. That woke up the Methodist people, and 
soon after they moved their church into Oakley. Finally, in 1908, they 
removed the old church and built a larger edifice, presumably antici- 
pating future needs. Soon after this the Catholics, who, by the way, had 
been preparing for several years to build a commodious church here, 
started to erect a building on their lot in the O'Hara addition. The Bap- 
tists shortly after followed suit, with a very creditable structure, the 
fourth church building for our village. Further efiforts have been made 
for a more united religious service, but some ism or other is always in 
the way. 

INTRODUCTION OF THE LOGANBERRY 

The wonderful loganberry of commerce was introduced into the Oak- 
ley district in 1900 by the Rev. C. S. Scott, a well-known resident here. 
Scott brought the plants from southern California, and set out a meas- 
ured acre of sediment land with rooted vines. They were irrigated from 
a well and carefully cultivated, so that a handsome growth was secured, 
and a wonderful crop of berries was produced the following year. This 
crop was peddled at good prices, the income from the berries alone be- 
ing six hundred dollars. But the principal idea was to create a demand 
for cuttings. The canes were lopped down, weighted, mulched, and irri- 
gated, with the result that the following January he sold two hundred 
rooted cuttings at twenty-five cents each, realizing an income of eleven 
hundred dollars from one acre the next year after planting. 



CHAPTER XXXIII 

KNIGHTSEN 
BY GEORGE W. KNIGHT 

When the Santa Fe Railway in the summer of 1898 made its prelim- 
inary survey through this part of Contra Costa County the town of 
Knightsen was founded. In the fall of the same year the road-bed was 
graded, and late in 1899 the company began to lay its track. In the 
spring of 1900 passenger and freight trains began to run. The first 
building erected in the new town was the company's section-house, and 
this was soon followed by the railroad station, with a pumping plant 
to supply the locomotives with water. 

In the winter of 1899- 1900 I received my commission as postmaster, 
and immediately proceeded to put up a building to be occupied by the 
new post-office and grocery, the first store in Knightsen. The post-office 
is still in the same building. I continued as postmaster for thirteen 
years. 

The shipment of milk by the dairy farmers of this section is con- 
siderable. The daily average since the advent of the railroad is about 
twenty-five hundred gallons. Stone Brothers were the first to engage 
in this industry to any extent. At present there are five other dairies 
shipping through this station — those of Fox, Bridgford, Burrows, 
Emerson, and Hotchkiss — and it is likely that in the near future the 
milk output at this point will be greatly increased. 

Knightsen being an inland town grows slowly, but new improvements 
are being added from time to time. In 191 3 electric fights were in- 
stalled, which gave a decided addition to the town's importance. New 
dwellings are being constructed. A general merchandise store, a black- 
smith-shop, a garage, and a saloon comprise the business district. 

It is said that the local Santa Fe station has shown a wonderful 
record in recent months, especially in December, 1916, its business at 
that time being larger than at any other period in the history of Knight- 





^^/ ^ /-^^>^ 



KNIGHTSEN 405 

sen. This is greatly due to the shipping of celery and general farm pro- 
duce. This section has advanced rapidly in this line recently. 

Knightsen is situated in a rich agricultural district, and doubtless 
will be an important shipping point in the future. 

SERICULTURE 

In the early days several extensive experiments in sericulture were made 
in this county. That the mulberry will grow here, and that the worm 
will do well, admit of no question. The trees made a wonderful growth, 
and the silk produced was of superior quality. 

Many years ago Mr. Sellers, near Iron House Landing, planted a 
large field in mulberry-trees, which made a fine growth and produced 
a great quantity of leaves for feeding. A place was fitted up for a feed- 
ing-room for the worms, and the business was carried on quite success- 
fully. At the county fair in 1878 Mrs. Sellers exhibited cocoons and 
silkworms that attracted much attention from visitors. 

The silkworm is a very delicate animal, and it is subject in Europe to 
many diseases, most of them directly traceable to climatic influences 
from which this State is exempt. Qimate is a matter of vast importance 
to the breeder of the silkworm, and nowhere is it more favorable than 
in Contra Costa County. The worms are exceedingly healthy and pro- 
lific, the cocoons large, the fiber strong and fine, the mulberry luxuriant 
in growth and hardy. The colds of forty-five degrees, the heats of one 
hundred degrees, the thunder-storms, and the summer rains, which fre- 
quently prove fatal in France and Italy, are almost unknown in our 
coast valleys. In Europe, even when there is no rain, there are many 
damp, cloudy days that prevent the evaporation of the dew, and if there 
is any moisture on the leaves the worms sicken and die. It is customary 
in Europe to feed three or four times a day, with leaves plucked oft 
separately ; but in California they may be fed but twice, or even once, 
with sprouts, each cut having a number of leaves on it. They increase 
at the rate of a hundred-fold at each generation. The female generally 
lays from two hundred to three hundred eggs, and it may be assumed 
that two hundred worms will survive and make cocoons ; and as the fe- 
males are about half, the total number may be multiplied by one hun- 
dred, to represent the increase. 

Two crops of cocoons are raised in the year, in May and July, a sea- 



4o6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

son during which the atmosphere of CaUfornia is almost free from 
clouds, there being neither thunder-storms nor wet, cold spells, to check 
the progress of the cocoons or to injure the mulberry leaf, such vicissi- 
tudes being not only destructive of the health of the worms, but fatal to 
the quality of silk they produce. 

Some years ago the State of California, with the view of establishing 
the business of silk-making as one of its fixed pursuits, offered a premi- 
um of two hundred and fifty dollars for every five thousand mulberry- 
trees, to be paid when they were two years old, and a premium of three 
hundred dollars for every one hundred thousand cocoons. The business, 
for various reasons, has not proved profitable, largely for the want of 
energetic capital to engage in the manufacture. 



CHAPTER XXXIV 

RODEO 

With the best of water-front facilities, and with factory sites held at 
a very reasonable figure, the outlook for Rodeo, situated on San Pablo 
Bay, is very promising. 

The virile quality of Rodeo's citizenship shone forth brilliantly fol- 
lowing a devastating fire of July, 191 5. Although the main business dis- 
trict was completely wiped out, in less than six months the heap of 
ruins was replaced by handsome brick buildings. These building activi- 
ties have afforded unusual opportunities for bricklayers, carpenters, 
and artisans of all kinds, who have prospects of being steadily employed 
for an indefinite time to come. Other fields of employment are the plant 
of the Union Oil Company, about two miles distant, the local plant of 
the Western Oil Company, the Union Oil Company at Oleum, adjoin- 
ing the town-site of Rodeo, the powder factories of Giant and Hercules, 
and the near-by lubricating plant of the Shell Oil Company. Having no 
unemployed class, Rodeo may be considered to be well along on the road 
to prosperity. 

Of historical interest is the fact that Rodeo derived its name from 
the **rodeos," or roundups, held by the cattle kings in the days of the 
old Spanish grandees. 

Some time ago, a sanitary district was formed in Rodeo, and a bond 
issue was decided upon to supply the sum of $17,000 needed for the 
construction of a sewer system. 

Rodeo is one of the smallest towns in the State to have its own sewer 
system. The undertaking has been a very large one, and the fact that 
it has been carried to success reflects considerable credit upon those who 
are leaders in the town's affairs. 

The prospects for a brilliant future for Rodeo are very alluring. A 
splendid water-front is to be found there, and splendid factory sites 
can be secured at a very reasonable figure. The town is now situated 
near enough to several large industries to be assured of steady progress. 



4o8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

UNION OIL COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA 

The Union Oil Company of California is the outgrowth of an amalga- 
mation of a number of the smaller oil companies established in the early 
days of the California oil industry. It has always been independent of 
other and larger corporations, having no connections of any kind to en- 
force upon it a policy of subservience to special interests. Its present 
strong position is the result of twenty-five years of able management 
as the Union Oil Company of California, following several years of pi- 
oneering in the Ventura fields on the part of Lyman Stewart, now chair- 
man of the board, and his associates. Mr. Stewart, having first satisfied 
himself as to the oil prospects of the surrounding territory, located at 
Santa Paula in Ventura County, and gathered about him a number of 
his former associates in the Pennsylvania fields. Amongst these were 
W. L. Hardison and John Irwin. In 1883 as the Hardison-Stewart Oil 
Company, with John Irwin as field superintendent, operations were be- 
gun in Pico Cafion, near Newhall, on land leased from the Pacific Coast 
Oil Company, which had a small group of wells there and a small re- 
finery in Alameda. That company and the Rowland & Lacy Company 
operating at Puente, near Whittier, alone occupied the field at that time. 
Leases were also taken in Adams Canon, on the old Rancho ex-Mission 
de San Buenaventura, and in Santa Paula Cafion. 

Operations began with a field force of thirty -five oil men recruited 
from the East. Six wells were drilled and about $135,000 spent before 
striking a paying well. In these days of large expenditures in oil devel- 
opment this sum looks small, but, considering the times, and that these 
men were operating in a country several thousand miles away from the 
nearest commercially proven oil field, and in one where at the same time 
proper facilities and markets were yet to be developed, it will be appre- 
ciated that no little faith and courage were required. To add to their 
difficulties disputes arose over land titles, but eventually these obstacles 
as well as those of a physical character were overcome. Operations 
were extended and additional land acquired by purchase. More wells 
were drilled — one of these. No. 16, on the Rancho ex-Mission, was 
brought in with an initial production of one thousand barrels of oil a 
day. Other successes followed, and, encouraged by results obtained, two 
other companies were organized, in both of which Hardison and Stew- 



RODEO 409 

art were interested — the Sespe Oil Company and the Torrey Canon 
Oil Company. In 1890 the three companies, together with the Los An- 
geles Oil Co., Rainbow Oil Company, Mission Transfer Company and 
others, were merged into one, as the Union Oil Company, with a cap- 
italization of $5,000,000; later this was increased to $10,000,000 and 
then to $50,000,000, at which figure it stands with the opening of 191 5. 
At the beginning of 191 5, somewhat over $31,000,000 of this had been 
issued. The operations of the company have now been enormously ex- 
tended in all directions. Its landholdings comprise over 226,000 acres, 
not including those of companies controlled by it. Its oil lands, rights, 
and leases are conservatively valued at approximately $23,000,000, 
while its wells, of which more than three hundred are producing and 
forty-six drilling, represent $7,000,000 more. Pipe-lines and storage sys- 
tems serve all the important fields, and its water-transportation facilities 
are represented by a fleet of twenty-six steamers and barges, of which 
but six are chartered, the whole fleet having a carrying capacity of 800,- 
000 barrels. Investments in transportation and storage facilities now 
amount to nearly $7,000,000. 

Early in its career the company undertook refining operations on a 
small scale at Santa Paula. This plant was destroyed by fire in 1896, 
but later was replaced. The success experienced demonstrated that more 
extensive facilities were required, and in 1895 a site was purchased at 
Oleum on San Pablo Bay near San Francisco, at which point its prin- 
cipal refinery is now located. In addition to these two refineries, three 
others are now operating at strategical points — Bakersfield, Stewart, 
near Los Angeles, and Avila, on the coast near San Luis Obispo. The 
company is also engaged in the extraction of gasoline from the large 
amount of natural gas produced on some of its leases. One of these 
plants is probably the largest yet installed anywhere. When the con- 
struction work now under way is completed the company will have in- 
vested over $3,000,000 in its refineries. 

An extensive system of distributing and marketing stations has been 
developed all over the Pacific Coast, ranging from Alaska to South 
America. Unusually complete stations have been erected in all of the 
principal cities, with less elaborate ones in the smaller communities, at a 
cost of nearly $4,000,000. These are being continually increased in num- 
ber. 



4IO 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



The company now produces, transports, refines, and distributes all 
products derivable from California petroleum, having last year market- 
ed over $20,000,000 worth of products. Its ships carry fuel oil to all the 
principal ports of the Pacific Coast in both American continents, and 
reach westward to Hawaii. Its refined oils are delivered by the ship- 
load not only to domestic ports but to Europe and Asia. Asphalt is 
shipped to Atlantic ports by steamer and sail, and by rail to the Middle 
West, and in normal times to Europe. In fact, the Union Oil Company 
now has practically the entire world for its market, and competes suc- 
cessfully everywhere. 

Fuel Oil. — First, in point of mere bulk, ranks fuel oil. On the face 
of it no particular interest would appear to attach to the fuel-oil bus- 
iness. It would seem that all that might be necessary would be to pro- 
duce the oil from the ground and hand it over to the consumers to be 
burnt without special preparation. However, the actual facts are unfor- 
tunately somewhat more complicated and the users of oil fuel have 
manifold requirements; each particular industry using fuel has its own, 
and nearly every customer has special needs^either actual or fancied. 
In any case all of these conditions must be met, and while many con- 
sumers are properly served with carefully selected and cleaned crude 
oil, a very large class requires specially prepared fuel to meet highly 
specialized conditions, with the result that no little care and skill are de- 
manded in the manufacture of a suitable material having the desired 
characteristics. In metallurgical operations and the manufacture of gas, 
for example, requirements are different than for use on board ship. 
The different navies, again, have different specifications ; Diesel engines 
and semi-Diesel engines differ from each other in the kind of fuel need- 
ed, and so on in almost infinite variety. All of these manifold service 
conditions the Union Oil Company of California has provided for, and 
supplies for each instance the particular fuel best adapted to it, so that 
whether it be for the United States or foreign navies, for the manufac- 
turers of ordinary illuminating gas or Pintsch gas, or to meet the speci- 
fications of marine classification societies, or for Diesel engines, house- 
hold use, smudge oil for orchards, for steel works and smelters, for 
briquetting coal, or for hatching eggs, proper fuels have been prepared. 
Each industry demands certain flash or burning points, specific gravity, 
viscosity, heat value, freedom from sulphur, and other technical char- 



RODEO 411 

acteristics of no particular interest to the layman, but involving proper 
selection of raw material and subsequent treatment to produce. 

Asphalt. — In the refining of California oils the final or end product 
of the distillation process may be either a fuel oil, usually known as 
residuum, or asphalt, best known to the public in the form of asphalt 
pavements. The best refining oils, however, are not necessarily the best 
for the manufacture of asphalt, so the Union Oil Company of Califor- 
nia does not manufacture asphalt as a by-product of the refinery, but se- 
lects for the specific purpose of making asphalt only such oils as have 
the proper physical and chemical characteristics ; as a result of this pro- 
cedure and the careful attention given every stage of the operation to 
control the quality of the product, the company believes that it has per- 
fected the manufacture of asphalt to the highest degree yet attained. A 
special booklet has been prepared, copies of which may be had on re- 
quest, covering the application of this material to paving. Many other 
uses are made of it, however, and special types are prepared for each 
service. 

Refined Oil and Lubricants. — The products derived from petrole- 
um and manufactured by the company cover the entire range from the 
lightest volatile substances which boil actively at the temperature of the 
hand to the heaviest of lubricants. The company has been perhaps for- 
tunate in that as it is comparatively young it has not inherited an out- 
worn assortment of refining conventions. It has not hesitated therefore 
to depart from methods established by tradition and has developed pro- 
cesses and apparatus of its own, peculiarly fitted to California condi- 
tions, and capable of manufacturing economically products of the high- 
est quaHty. Continuous investigations are conducted to improve its fa- 
cilities and the character and variety of its products. That this policy is 
efifective is best evidenced by the fact that in the face of increased com- 
petition, backed by powerful financial interests, its sales of refined goods 
have uniformly increased in volume more rapidly than can be accounted 
for by the increase in the consuming population of its tributary terri- 
tory, and this without any attempt being made to undersell competitors. 



CHAPTER XXXV 

WALNUT CREEK 

Walnut Creek, "the Gateway to Contra Costa County," is an incor- 
porated city of the sixth class and possesses a population of upward of 
750. It possesses a climate that is not surpassed by any section of Cali- 
fornia, and its scenic features, encompassed as it is by the foothills that 
buttress Mount Diablo, are attractions of more than ordinary note. It is 
a trade-center of no small importance, as it is surrounded by a fertile 
area that during the year 191 6 brought to the tillers of the acreage over 
three million dollars for their products of field, orchard, vineyard, nut 
groves, poultry yard, dairy, and stock pastures. Its two banks, the First 
National Bank and the San Ramon Valley Bank, hold the savings of the 
people of this section in an aggregate amounting to over six hundred 
thousand dollars, and present statements showing combined assets in 
excess of a million dollars. The varied business activities, housed in 
substantial and modern buildings that line both sides of Main Street, 
the chief thoroughfare of the community, are further testimony to the 
prosperity of the town and the tributary country. Among the leading 
structures to be listed are the First National Bank, the Silveira block, 
the James M. Stow building, the San Ramon Valley Bank, the W. S, 
Burpee block, the Grimes & Nottingham building, and the new structure 
now building for Colonel William L. White. Walnut Creek is munici- 
pally well directed, with low taxation. It is provided with a modern sew- 
erage system, and is supplied with the finest water by a well-equipped 
plant of the latest design. It is served by both the Southern Pacific Com- 
pany, being situated on the San Ramon Valley branch of that traffic sys- 
tem, and the Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Electric Railway, which ex- 
tends from San Francisco and Oakland to the State capital at Sacra- 
mento. By this traffic route Walnut Creek is happily placed within 
cheap, frequent, and quick commuting distance of the populous Bay 
centers. Within the past three years hundreds of families have reared 
model homes, set within extended areas of garden and orchard, within 
the charming area about Walnut Creek. 



WALNUT CREEK 



413 



Catholics, Methodists, Presbyterians, Christian Scientists, and Epis- 
copalians maintain flourishing congregations and attending societies. 
The Walnut Creek grammar school has an enrollment of nearly two 
hundred pupils, is conducted by four teachers, and is housed in a beau- 
tiful school building amid a most sightly area. The Merchants Associa- 
tion is a factor for progress and civic improvement. The Walnut Creek 
Women's Club is an organization that commands State fame for the ac- 
tivities of its members along those lines of achievement in which woman 
is particularly endowed. 

Amongst its notable works is the establishing of the Carnegie Library 
in a model structure, where books are supplied the public without price. 
Walnut Creek is within one mile of being in the exact center of the 
county, and is but eight miles from the municipal boundaries of Oak- 
land. It is six miles from Concord to where is located the model edu- 
cational institution known as the Mount Diablo High School, to which 
the graduates of the Walnut Creek grammar school are accredited, and 
whose transportation in attendance is borne at pubHc expense over the 
electric railway. 

Mention is due the imposing Masonic temple at Walnut Creek, reared 
by Alamo Lodge, F. & A. M. It is one of the finest order structures in 
the interior of the State. Tenancy is shared by Almona Chapter, O. E. S. 

Walnut Creek has a newspaper, The Contra Costa Courier, newsy, 
alert, and of extended circulation. It is owned by Colonel William L. 
White, with its management in the hands of Francis H. Robinson, aided 
in the news department by Lyman E. Stoddard. The Courier was estab- 
lished by George C. Crompton, and went the way of the initiatives in 
newspaper flesh by the entrance of the sheriff. It was purchased under 
the hammer by O. H. King, now publisher of the Amador Ledger at 
Jackson. He sold the publication, together with the Danville Journal, to 
Colonel William L. White, of White-Hall Acres, Alamo. Under the 
ownership of the latter both the Courier and the Journal have prospered 
and take rank among the representative weekly papers of the State. 

HISTORY 

The Indian mounds unearthed while excavating for the First National 
Bank building reveal the existence here in bygone centuries of an abor- 



414 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

iginal race of far superior endowment to the Digger tribes with whom 
history makes us more conversant. In excavating, skulls and bones were 
brought to light which are significant of a race of giants, while the stone 
utensils and trinketry and tokens of exchange are mute testimony of the 
mental status of the men and women who dwelt in these valleys before 
the advent of the Caucasian. Tradition has it, as handed down among 
the Spanish families, that Padre Juan Crespi and Pedro Pages, the en- 
sign of the mighty monarch of the Escorial, first trod these lands on 
their way to discover the great harbor now known as San Francisco 
Bay. After the coming of the padres the Spanish adventurers that came 
in their entourage sought the lands about here as royal gifts. They af- 
ford rich pasturage and are abundantly watered, and at one time Wal- 
nut Creek and vicinity harbored many of the sons and daughters of 
Iberian blood, who housed themselves on sightly, well-chosen spots in 
adobe homes which in wreck and wrack are today in occasional evi- 
dence. 

It was not, however, until late in the fifties that Walnut Creek, or 
''The Corners," as it was then known, found a place on the map. It 
derived its early importance from being the crossroads of two import- 
ant traffic highways. One led from Oakland to Antioch on to the San 
Joaquin Valley, and the other from Livermore and its great grain- 
growing valleys to Pacheco, then a leading shipping-point, milling 
town, and cereal center. It came by its present-day name in recognition 
of it being the habitat, and the only one in the West, of the black 
walnut, which flourishes in all its glory along the banks of the water- 
way which meanders through the town, and is fed by a thousand rills 
and brooks that reach torrential heights during the rainy season. 

Walnut Creek began its evolution from a crossroads point to com- 
munity semblance when Homer Shuey laid ofif a town-site on lands 
purchased from H. P. Penneman, who in turn had acquired the area 
from George Thorne. The latter derived ownership fromWiUiamSlush- 
er, who held under possessory title which held against the much mud- 
dled Spanish grants. Homer Shuey was not amiss in laying out a town- 
site, for several of his allotments of land found purchasers and home- 
builders, and during the years of the Rebellion there was such a gath- 
ering of population at Walnut Creek that Uncle Sam opened up postal 
connections. James M. Stow, then a lad, had the mail contract from 



WALNUT CREEK 415 

Oakland to Clayton in part with his brother John Stow, and also the 
star route between Walnut Creek and Danville. 

In i860 James McDonald and Charles Whitmore established the first 
mercantile business in Walnut Creek. Their store was located on what 
is now Main Street, at the northeast corner of the Lafayette road. They 
afterward sold out to H. P. Penneman and W. H. Sears who latterly 
became Governor of Oregon. Milo J. Hough conducted the first hotel 
in i860 on the site where J. C. Laurence now has his home. It was de- 
stroyed by fire. He had a blacksmith-shop opposite the hotel. About 
this time the Morris Brothers operated a stage-line between Oakland 
and Clayton via the old Fish Ranch road, which then came out of the 
hills about where the Claremont Hotel now stands. 

In 1864-65 the business activities of Walnut Creek were further aug- 
mented by L. G. Peel, who established a store opposite to where St. 
Mary's Catholic Church is now located. He also purchased the Hank 
Sanford ranch that is now owned by Mrs. Botelho. The ranch he after- 
ward sold to Antone S. Botelho and the store to Albert Sherburne. 

W. C. Pratt purchased the Penneman & Sears store in 1869. Shuey 
Brothers, who had been conducting a general express and produce 
buying business, engaged in general merchandizing in 1871. They sold 
their business, then on the site of the present town hall, to C. W. 
Geary, who was burned out, inflicting a loss of $20,000. The lot was 
taken over by Mrs. X. R. Hill on a mortgage, and she generously deed- 
ed it to the community as the site for a town hall for all time. 

In 1871-72 John Slitz added another store to the business community. 
He dealt in groceries and hardware, and was also a notary public, and 
was further appointed postmaster. He had previously resided in the 
Moraga Valley. He latterly resigned the postmastership and was suc- 
ceeded by James M. Stow, who was appointed by President Hayes. 
Stow purchased the store. 

In 1872 the Methodist Episcopal church was built upon the site now 
occupied by the James M. Stow building. The land for the site was 
donated by H. S. Shuey. Captain R. S. Fales and William Rice each 
donated $500 toward the church construction fund, with the balance 
subscribed by W. S. Burpee, E, A. Thumway, John Larkey, James M. 
Stow, Milo J. Hough, H. S. and M. M. Shuey, John Baker, J. W. Jones, 
Frank Webb, and Arthur S. Williams. 



4i6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Since those days and until the coming of the electric line the growth 
of the community was steady but slow. The opening of the Tunnel High- 
way, which was effected through the efforts of James M. Stow, made 
possible through the contributions of Oakland's generous merchants, 
Theo. Gier, Wilbur Walker, A. Jones, M. J. Keller, and H. F. Sohst, 
who as members of the Merchants Exchange raised a subscription of 
$12,000 to aid Contra Costa County in meeting its share of the opening 
in the hills. This engineering feat opened the way for traffic into the 
valleys of southern Contra Costa. It was an achievement that was the 
forerunner and inspiration to the construction of the electric line, and 
today this same Tunnel Highway, boulevarded, ranks among the notable 
roads of the State. It is a veritable extension of Broadway, Oakland, 
into the hills and valleys of Contra Costa. 

THE CONCORD FIRE^ 

A disastrous fire, which wiped out an entire block in the business sec- 
tion of Concord, causing damage estimated at $200,000, occurred here 
early in the morning of April 25, 1917. The fire was discovered by a 
cook in the Concord Inn at two o'clock. It spread rapidly until the post- 
office, the Bank of Concord, the apartments over the bank, the Concord 
Mercantile Company, the store of B. Neustader, the offices of Doctor 
Louis Martin and Doctor Edward Johnson, and the hardware store of 
M. Q. Meehan were completely destroyed. 

The twenty-five guests at the Concord Inn escaped from the blazing 
hotel in their night clothing. Two waitresses. Miss Nettie Dean and 
Miss Beatrice Arthur, were trapped in a room under the roof and over- 
come by smoke. They were rescued by a squad of firemen, led by Guy 
Berger, clerk of the hotel, and carried out in an unconscious condition. 
D. H. Chambers, manager of Concord Inn, and his wife returned to 
their rooms to rescue their pet bulldog, which had been overlooked in 
the excitement, and lost their valuables in saving the animal. The guests 
lost practically everything they had. 

Finding themselves unable to cope with the blaze, the Concord fire 
department sent calls for assistance to Oakland, Martinez, Bay Point, 
Antioch, and Walnut Creek. Chief EUiott Whitehead of the Oakland 
fire department and Captain Charles Bock and Corporal Herman O. 

^This account of the disastrous fire at Concord came too late to be inserted in its proper place. 





aCi^ 



(y-v^ O ^.^>/>-^^/^. 



j^^r^ 



WALNUT CREEK 417 

Rumetsch of the police department responded to the call and gave as- 
sistance in rescuing and directing the fire-iighters. Company One of the 
Oakland fire department also responded to the call, but when they 
reached Walnut Creek it was met by Chief Whitehead and sent back 
home, as the fire was then under control. Postmaster C. H. Guy saved 
the records and safe in the Federal building. 

The loss to the Bank of Concord is estimated at $35,000, that of the 
post-office building from $1000 to $5000, the apartments over the bank 
at $3000, the doctors' offices at $5000, and the other buildings at vari- 
ous amounts, bringing the total up to $200,000, partially covered by 
insurance. 

MOUNT DIABLO ESTATE 

Mount Diablo Estate, comprising ten thousand acres on the slopes of 
the mountains and in the near-by valleys, is a holding to which few 
others anywhere are comparable. It includes the Mount Diablo Park 
Club and Mount Diablo Park, where resident members have their 
homes. 

The club, with its extensive grounds, golf course, private lake, club- 
house, club inn, and chalet apartments, is open only to members and 
their guests. 

Forty years ago what is now Mount Diablo Estate was famous as the 
Oakwood Park Stock Farm of Seth Cook, who had made a fortune in 
mines and settled down to being a horseman. Many were the notable en- 
tertainments he had there, with celebrities for guests. He had a race- 
course of his own, with a row of eucalyptus about it; this is now the 
forty-acre community farm of the country club. 

One phase of his career came to light recently during the construction 
of the scenic boulevard up Mount Diablo. Two old gold mines were re- 
discovered, just as they had been left when Mrs. Cook compelled him to 
abandon their development, for fear the gold fever would return to 
make him unhappy. 

The Estate today is a place of beautiful homes, with gardens being de- 
veloped by a score of skilled men, with orchards of its own, and with the 
country club as a center of social life that draws members and guests 
from long distances. 

Diablo, terminus of the Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Railway branch 
from Saranap, is the business center of the community. Building ac- 



4i8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

tivity in Mount Diablo Park has been such that in the spring of 191 7, 
with building material shipments of a hundred cars in one month, the 
station became the busiest in freight traffic of any on the railroad, ex- 
cept for industrial points. 

There is no other club and home community in California to rank 
with that at Diablo. 

THE MOUNT DIABLO SCENIC BOULEVARD 

In Mount Diablo, Contra Costa County has one of the most remarkable 
peaks in the world — one declared by such noted men as the late Pro- 
fessor J. D. Whitney, after whom the highest peak in the United States 
was named, to have a broader view from the top than any other moun- 
tain. The view from the summit of Mount Diablo has been made ac- 
cessible by the Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard, and, with its fame 
spreading, it is doing much to draw the attention of tourists to this re- 
gion and central California. 

Under favorable atmospheric conditions, from the top of Mount Di- 
ablo thirty-five of California's fifty-eight counties can be seen without 
a glass. The entire heart of the State lies outstretched like a giant relief 
map, and even such distant points as Mount Shasta, two hundred and 
fifty miles north, and the six-hundred-mile snow-line of the Sierras. 

The boulevard, winding through Mount Diablo Estate, was built in 
1916 by R. N. Burgess and his associates. In two branches, it has a 
total mileage of nearly twenty-three miles. Though the climb rises to 
3849 feet, the average grade is seven per cent and the maximum eight, 
except for a final climb up a pinnacle at the summit. One branch leads 
from Diablo and the Mount Diablo Park Club, the other from above 
Walnut Creek. 

A feature of the drive is the Garden of the Jungle Gods, a mile-long 
collection of giant freak rocks, and the Devil's SUde. For eight miles 
the road was lined with wild-flower seed this year. 

LAFAYETTE 

Lafayette lays claim to be the first community founded in southern 
Contra Costa County. Its first settler was Elam Brown, who upon his 
coming in 1846 reared his home, the first to be built within the present 



WALNUT CREEK 419 

Lafayette section. The name of the settlement was bestowed in 1852 
by Benjamin Shreve, who opened the first school at Lafayette in that 
year. 

Elam Brown engaged in farming, which rewarded him in bounteous 
harvests of grain, but difficulty was encountered in getting his product 
to the mill, which at that time was located in faraway San Jose. The 
grain had to be hauled by ox-teams to that remote town, and the round 
trip usually consumed a week. It was this condition of affairs that im- 
pelled Elam Brown in 1853 to erect his own mill, which he conducted 
at a profit for many years. About this time the small community erected 
the first church building in the county for interdenominational use. A 
cemetery was also laid out close to town. In 1853 Milo J. Hough set- 
tled in Lafayette and built a hotel, which he conducted for two years, 
when he removed to Walnut Creek. 

The Contra Costa County Agricultural, Horticultural and Mechanic- 
al Society was organized temporarily January 15, 1859, at Lafayette, 
with L. I. Fish as president. The first regular officers were elected May 
14, 1859, as follows: President, Hon. T. A. Brown; vice-presidents, W. 
Bradford, D. Small, E. H. Cox, W. T. Hendricks, J. O'Brien, John A. 
Hamilton, D. Goodale, W. J. Caldw^ell, D. Carrick, and Jose Martinez ; 
treasurer, Elam Brown; recording secretary, H. H. Fassett; corre- 
sponding secretary, N. Jones. At this meeting Lafayette was selected 
as the place for holding the fair, which was to take place on October 
II, 1859. ^^ ^ later date the place of holding the fair was changed to 
Pacheco. The society was very successful, holding annual fairs, which 
did much to stimulate farmers and mechanics to a more thorough 
knowledge of their various vocations. The society owned six acres of 
land, about half a mile from Concord and one mile from Pacheco, in 
the Mount Diablo Grant, and all the improvements thereon, the whole 
valued at $1,500. They also leased fifty-four acres adjoining for a race- 
track. Fairs are held every year about the last week in September. For 

1877 the receipts were $2,269.25. From this was paid for premiums, 
$546; for purses, $585; and for incidentals, $1,125.05. The officers for 

1878 were as follows: President, W. Renwick; vice-presidents, R. O. 
Baldwin and S. J. Tennant ; directors, Wm. Calvin and J. E. Durham ; 
treasurer, S. W. Johnson ; secretary, E. W. Hiller. 

In i860 the Lafayette Library Association was formed, which sig- 



420 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



nalized the first effort made in the county to bring to the homes of the 
public the advantages of reading. 

The country about Lafayette is prodigal in the products of its soil. 
Adjacent to the town is the noted Happy Valley, where climatic condi- 
tions insure the earliest vegetables. With the completion of the tunnel 
on the highway to Oakland a new era opened up to this section, and 
with the advent of the O. A. & E. electric line Lafayette at once came 
to the front as a suburban community, attracting many to build their 
homes about on its hills and in the adjacent valleys. 

The town supports well-stocked stores, a garage, and other activities 
and, being on the fine drive, the Tunnel Boulevard, it has become an ob- 
ject of increasing interest to thousands of autoists. 

The Lafayette Auditorium is the most imposing structure in the com- 
munity. It was built through its public-spirited citizenry. 



CHAPTER XXXVI 

PINOLE 

The town of Pinole, situated on San Pablo Bay, twenty-three miles 
from San Francisco, has a population of fifteen hundred, and is one of 
the thriving manufacturing towns of western Contra Costa Count)'^, be- 
ing adjacent to the Hercules powder plant, the largest explosives con- 
cern west of the Rockies. The town has excellent shipping facilities by 
rail, both the Santa Fe and Southern Pacific roads passing directly 
through it. 

Pinole is one of the oldest towns in the county, the first settlers lo- 
cating in the year 1839, when the Mexican Government held sway over 
California. A great many old Spanish families resided in the beautiful 
fertile valley a short distance to the southeast of the town's present lo- 
cation. Here were built many adobe mansions by Spanish grandees, 
whose landholdings were very extensive. 

Just before the "Gringo" came Pinole and its valley were the hunt- 
ing and recreation grounds for the Spanish soldiers stationed at the 
Presidio in San Francisco. Deer and other wild game abounded in the 
valley, and it was during these expeditions in quest of game that the 
settlement received its name. The hunters carried Uttle sacks of ground 
parched corn, in the early days considered a delicacy in the food 
line. The corn in its prepared state was called pinole^ and no traveling 
equipment was complete without it. While going through the thick un- 
derbrush in the hills and valley many of these sacks were torn and a 
large quantity of pinole was lost. This circumstance occurred so fre- 
quently that the hunters, when referring to an expedition, invariably 
used the word pinole in designating their favorite hunting locality. 
Hence the present name. Pinole. 

With the advent of the California Powder Works the town grew in 
size. In 1896 Pinole was incorporated, and it now has a fine sewer sys- 
tem, macadamized streets, cement sidewalks, a fire company, and ex- 
cellent lighting and water facilities. 



422 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

The Bank of Pinole, established in 1905, is one of the staunchest 
banking institutions in the county. A fine new banking building was 
erected in 191 5, and this structure, and the Downer, Ruff, and Pinole 
Theatre buildings in the center of the business district, are some of the 
latest valuable improvements to the town. Pinole also has a large de- 
partment store, numerous smaller stores, an opera-house, a union pub- 
lic school, and two churches. St. Joseph's Catholic Church was erected 
in 1889 and remodeled in 191 5. The Methodist Episcopal Church was 
constructed in 1886, and has since been extensively improved. 

The Pinole-Hercules school building is one of the largest in the coun- 
ty, and was erected on an imposing site in 1907. Several new rooms and 
an assembly hall have recently been added to the building. A corps of 
nine teachers is now employed. 

Those principally identified with the early history and advancement 
of the town were the late Bernardo Fernandez, who settled in Pinole in 
1849, ^^d conducted a general merchandise store and a large hay and 
grain business; E. M. Downer, the present mayor of the town and 
president of the Bank of Pinole, and J. Bermingham, Jr., superinten- 
dent of the old California Powder Works. 

There are many beautiful residences in Pinole, among which are the 
Downer, Fernandez, Poinsett, and EUerhorst homes. 

The Pinole Times was established in 1894 by E. M. Downer and Doc- 
tor M. L. Fernandez, and was issued in pamphlet form from the press 
of a job-printing office at Martinez. About six months later the paper 
was enlarged to a six-column folio, and printed in Pinole, Downer as- 
suming full control. A few years later John Bermingham, Jr., superin- 
tendent of the California Powder Works, took over the management 
of The Times and issued the paper for a period of two years. In 1901 
the present editor and manager, E. C. Ebsen, took charge and is now is- 
suing the paper. The Times is the pioneer newspaper of Western Con- 
tra Costa, and, with the exception of the Antioch Ledger and the Con- 
tra Costa Weekly Gazette of Martinez, is the oldest newspaper of con- 
tinuous issue in the county. As regards political affiliation, the Times is, 
and always has been. Republican. 



CHAPTER XXXVII 

PORT COSTA 

Port Costa first came into prominence along in 1879, when the late G. 
W. McNear, Sr., purchased a large strip of frontage along the shore 
and built the immense grain warehouses that have had a prominent 
place in Port Costa's commercial history. Out of his large holdings he 
laid out the town of Port Costa and founded the Port Costa Water 
Company, which suppUes the principal towns along the northeastern 
shore. Since his death the interests that he founded have been ably con- 
ducted by his son, G. W. McNear, Jr. 

Port Costa has always been a great grain port, shipping wheat and 
barley from interior California points to all parts of the world. Of late 
years the volume of grain has fallen off to some extent, due to the fact 
that the soil has been utilized for other purposes ; but this has resulted 
in no commercial loss to Port Costa, for her warehouses have been 
constantly filled with other products. 

The Southern Pacific operates the largest ferry boats in the world, 
the "Solano" and the "Contra Costa," between Port Costa and Benicia, 
across the Straits of Carquinez. 

Several large brick factories play a prominent part in Port Costa's 
commercial activities. 

An institute for seamen, located at Port Costa, branch of the San 
Francisco Mission to Seamen, watches after the welfare of sailors on 
the Carquinez Straits and does much good, affording means of whole- 
some recreation and amusement for crews of visiting ships. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII 
AVON 

THE ASSOCIATED OIL COMPANY'S PLANT 

The Associated Oil Company was incorporated October 5, 1901, with 
a capitalization of forty million dollars, and consisted of some thirty- 
five oil companies, controlling about three-fourths of the Kern River 
and McKittrick oil-fields. 

The company's policy of expansion soon after brought it into control 
of the Amalgamated and the West Coast oil companies and many other 
valuable holdings in the various fields. In 1905 the company purchased 
the property of the National Oil Transportation Company, and there- 
by secured pipe-line facilities from the Coalinga field to tidewater at 
Monterey, and from the Santa Maria field to its refinery at Gaviota, 
Santa Barbara County. In 1906 the Associated Oil Company completed 
its first eight-inch pipe-Une from the San Joaquin field to Port Costa, 
and shortly thereafter, this line being inadequate, another eight-inch 
line was built, giving a total capacity of about fifty thousand barrels a 
day. In 1906 the company constructed an eight-inch pipe-line from the 
Santa Maria field to its refinery at Gaviota, a distance of about thirty- 
five miles. 

In 191 1 the Associated Oil Company decided to erect a refinery on 
San Francisco Bay, and for this purpose purchased a six-hundred-and- 
twenty-acre site at Avon, Contra Costa County. This refinery, although 
not as large as some other refineries in the United States, is of the lat- 
est design. It was completed and put in operation in August, 191 3, at 
that time having a capacity of about ten thousand barrels of crude oil 
a day. The high quality of its products was immediately recognized by 
the trade, and as a result almost continuous additions have been made, 
until at the present time this plant is capable of handling twenty-five 
thousand barrels of crude oil a day. This refinery has been pronounced 
by experts as one of the most modern and complete in the United 
States. The location of Avon refinery is ideal, having deep-water ship- 



AVON 425 

ping facilities and being traversed by both the Southern Pacific and 
Santa Fe railroads. The company's two eight-inch pipe-lines from the 
valley oil-fields serve as a source of supply. 

The Associated Oil Company has established some thirty-five distrib- 
uting stations and about twenty-five service stations in the principal 
cities of California, as well as stations in Oregon, Washington, and 
Nevada. It has a fleet of eight oil-tankers, having a combined capacity 
of about three hundred thousand barrels ; also, necessary tugs, barges, 
and tank-cars. 

It is estimated that the company has invested over two and a half 
million dollars in Contra Costa County, and furnishes employment to 
several hundred men. During the year 1916 the company expended over 
half a million dollars in improvements at its Avon refinery alone. 

The refinery capacities of the Associated refineries at Los Angeles 
and Gaviota have also been increased in order to take care of market 
demands. This company is pursuing a policy of increasing its landhold- 
ings, and during the last year made heavy investments in oil-lands and 
developments. 



CHAPTER XXXIX 

BYRON 

In the extreme eastern section of Contra Costa County, surrounded by- 
fertile and productive farms and orchards, is the thriving and attractive 
town of Byron. It had its beginning in the fall of 1878, when the South- 
ern Pacific Company began to run its trains through this section. Byron 
is located about five miles northwest of Brentwood and a like distance 
from the county line, and is situated in the midst of one of the best 
agricultural districts in Contra Costa County. Two and a half miles 
from the town is located the famous Byron Hot Springs. 

The first house erected in Byron was used as a hotel by F. Wilkening 
in 1878. Fish & Blum erected a large warehouse about this time. 

Eden Plains and Point of Timber derived their names — the first 
from the wonderful fertility of its soil, the other from the peculiar 
form in which the belt of timber grew that then covered that section. It 
was V-shaped, the point coming to the vicinity of the site of the store 
kept by James A. Salts at that place. The Point of Timber landing was 
burned in the winter of 1881-82 by tule fires. Although it was the prop- 
erty of the neighboring farmers, it never proved of any great utility or 
monetary advantage to them. 

Point of Timber had an A. O. U. W. lodge, instituted on April 12, 
1870. Excelsior Lodge No. 349, I. O. G. T., was organized on March 7, 
1869. Point of Timber Grange No. 14, Patrons of Husbandry, was or- 
ganized May 21, 1873, and was the outgrowth of the Point of Timber 
Farmers' Protective Club. 

After the advent of the railroad through this section Byron com- 
menced to expand and several houses and stores were erected. The 
town now numbers about five hundred residents. 

While grain was the main harvest for many years, latterly it was 
found that the soil was adapted for other products. Almonds and wal- 
nuts have shown surprising crops, and hundreds of acres have been put 
out to alfalfa. Almost every product of the soil thrives. There are a 




x^^^^-n-l^-,.--^ 



BYRON 427 

number of dairies in the community that are operated under the most 
sanitary conditions, much milk and cream being shipped. 

For years the farmers depended upon the natural rainfall for their 
crops, but during 1915-16 the Byron-Bethany irrigation project was got 
under way. This great enterprise will furnish water for fourteen thou- 
sand acres of choice land, at an approximate cost of ten dollars an acre. 
The company was organized with a capital stock of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars. It commenced to run water through its ditches in May, 
1917, from the Brentwood line to the Western Pacific tracks west of 
Tracy. 

There are four thriving fraternal societies in Byron — the Native 
Sons, the Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, and the Native 
Daughters. 

There are four churches — the Methodist Episcopal, the Congrega- 
tional, the Seventh-Day Adventist, and the Catholic. The latter is to be 
dedicated in June, 191 7, and cost five thousand dollars. Bishop Hanna 
will have charge of the dedication, assisted by Father E. S. McNamara, 
the first priest in charge. The church is of concrete and will seat two 
hundred and fifty people. 

The Byron school is a modern building, costing about four thousand 
dollars. The first teacher was Miss Ella McCabe. Miss W. H. Diffin is 
the present principal, assisted by Miss Anna L. Polak. 

Permanent concrete and rock roads radiate from Byron in all direc- 
tions. The town is on the route of transcontinental motor travel via the 
Borden Delta Highway from Stockton and the Mount Diablo Boule- 
vard. 

The history of Byron would not be complete without a mention of 
Mrs. William R. Wilder, who on October 10, 1916, had been a resident 
of this section half a century. Her husband came to what is now Byron 
in 1865, and after erecting a small house, brought his family here from 
Sacramento. Mrs. Wilder is a daughter of the late Captain George 
Donner of the famous Donner party, most of whom perished crossing 
the Sierra Nevada range in the early days. 

In order to get the station on the railroad in the proper spot, the 
people were forced to purchase and donate the land for its present site 
to the Southern Pacific Company. 

Herewith we give the names of some of the early settlers in the Byron 



428 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

section: 1860-61 — A. Plumley, H. C. Gallagher, and T. Hoffman; 
1865-67— J. E. Carey, J. F. Carey, A. Richardson, W. R. Wilder, D. 
Perkins, J. S. Netherton, D. K. Berry, M. Berlinger, C. J. Preston, 
Thomas McCabe, J. P. McCabe, H. C McCabe; 1868-69— George 
Cople, A. T. Taylor, J. Christensen, R. N. McEntire, and W. J. Cotes. 

There are many beautiful homes in Byron. Harry Hammond, editor 
of the Byron Times, has a modern bungalow of eight rooms and about 
two acres of land. Electricity is installed throughout the dwelling for 
heating and cooking, and an automatic electric pumping plant is a fea- 
ture of the yard. He has about one hundred varieties of trees and 
shrubs. His one-acre orchard demonstration farm is intended to show 
visitors to this section what can be accomplished here. He has fifty- 
seven varieties of fruit trees, and seventeen varieties of vegetables are 
grown. 

The Byron Times, was started in 1906 by Harry Hammond, the pres- 
ent owner and editor. Mr. Hammond has built up his paper to one of in- 
fluence and power. He is well known to newspaper men throughout the 
State. The Byron Times is the first paper in the State to use red ink, 
and the initials in red are a feature of each issue. These initials read a 
word or words. The paper covers twenty-one points in the three coun- 
ties of Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Alameda. 



Part II 
BIOGRAPHICAL 



BIOGRAPHICAL 

CLARK L. ABBOTT, M. D.— Among the best-known physicians of 
the Bay counties is Doctor Clark L. Abbott, an active, capable, and 
much respected citizen of Richmond, Contra Costa County. He was 
born in Seneca County, Ohio, October 5, 1874. His father, Abraham Lorenzo 
Abbott, is a native of Ohio, and is a man of high general standing in his 
community, a man of genial and cordial manners, and above all he is a man 
of noble aims. He has many friends and has the confidence and respect of 
all in his community, where he has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. 
Doctor Abbott's mother, Calena (Titus) Abbott, is also a native of Ohio, 
and to her were born three sons and three daughters. Of these the only sur- 
viving ones are Clark L. and one sister, Elvira, who resides on the home 
place in Ohio. The Abbott family was one of the first to be founded in 
America, and Doctor Abbott's great grandfather was one of the sturdy pi- 
oneers who assisted in settling that region now Ohio after the war of 1812. 
The family genealogy dates back to Revolutionary ancestry, and there were 
many in his family that took part in the Revolutionary War, the War of 
1812, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War, and a goodly number 
of the Abbott family in Ohio have enlisted in the present conflict. Many in 
the family are members of the Sons and Daughters of the American Revo- 
lution. The Doctor's great-grandfather was among the men who assisted this 
Government in taking the Seneca Indians to Iowa. Doctor Abbott was 
reared on the home farm. He attended the public schools. He is a self-edu- 
cated man, and has always been a careful student and close observer. Intent 
upon the successful study of medicine, in 1891 he entered Heidelberg Univer- 
sity, at Tiffin, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1896 with the degrees of 
B. S. and M. S. He then entered Rush Medical College in Chicago, gradu- 
ating from that institution in 1900. He served as intern in the leading Chi- 
cago hospitals for some time, when he decided to cast his lot with the Gold- 
en State and located in San Francisco, where he served as lecturing physi- 
cian in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. At the same time Doctor 
Abbott had opened an office in San Pablo, where he practiced his profession. 
He removed to Point Richmond, where he opened an office and began the 
general practice of medicine, and acted as physician and surgeon for the 
Santa Fe railroad for this district. Doctor Clark L. Abbott was married in 
Ohio in 1901 to Miss Nellie Rule, a native of that State and a daughter of 
one of the representative farmers in his locality. Mr. Rule was a man who 
took an active part in local politics, and his death, which occurred in 1901, 
was mourned by a wide circle of friends. His wife passed away in 1915. In 



432 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



his political affiliations Doctor Abbott is a Republican, and has taken an ac- 
tive part along party lines for the past twelve years. During the early days 
in Richmond, the Doctor was one of a committee who had charge of the in- 
corporation of the town and was a member of the freeholders who drew up 
the first charter. During his residence in Ohio he was made a Mason, becom- 
ing a member of Greensprings Lodge. He served as Exalted Ruler of Rich- 
mond Lodge, B. P. O. E., for three terms, and for some time past has been 
president of the board of directors of that lodge. He is also a member of the 
L O. O. F. lodge. Doctor Abbott is a member of the county and State medi- 
cal associations, a Fellow of the American College of Surgery, and is chair- 
man of the Auxiliary Committee of Medical Defence of Contra Costa Coun- 
ty. Personally, he is a genial and companionable man, and those who come 
in the circle of his friendship find him broad-minded and liberal, a supporter 
of public movements, and one whose success has been well deserved. He 
was elected coroner in 1906, which office he now holds. 

CHARLES M. BELSHAW is numbered among the distinguished citizens 
of California because of the prominence he has attained in promoting the 
permanent interests of Contra Costa County along all lines, and also by rea- 
son of the extent and importance of his business connections. Mr. Belshaw 
is associated with industrial, commercial, and financial enterprises. He was 
born at Fiddletown, Amador County, California, March 11, 1861, and was 
reared principally in San Francisco, where he attended the City College and 
University Mound College. In 1879 he took a college preparatory course un- 
der Professor George Bates, of San Francisco, and then matriculated in Har- 
vard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, from which he graduated in 
1883. Returning to California, he became timekeeper, paymaster, and wharf 
clerk to the Empire Coal Mines, and later superintendent of the mines. At 
the time of his father's death Charles M. Belshaw succeeded to his mining 
interests. In politics he is affiliated with the Republican party. In 1894 he 
was elected to the Assembly on that ticket. Evidence of his faithful service 
is given in his re-election to this office, in which he has served three full 
terms and the extra session of 1899. In 1900 he was elected to represent the 
district in the State Senate. Mr, Belshaw was twice married; the first union 
was to Miriam E., daughter of Tyler K. and Marietta (Warren) Waite, a na- 
tive of De Kalb County, Illinois, who died January 20, 1914. The second mar- 
riage was to Maud E. Spencer. He is a member of the B. P. O. E. and Na- 
tive Sons of the Golden West. He assisted in organizing the parlor at An- 
tioch, and is a past grand president of that order. 

MORTIMER W. BELSHAW, deceased, was born in Herkimer County, 
New York, April 20, 1830, son of William and Mary (Rhodes) Belshaw. 
Without assistance from anyone he acquired an education superior to most 
of his associates. At sixteen years of age he began to teach school during the 



BIOGRAPHICAL 433 

winter months; with the money thus earned he took a course of study in 
Oxford Academy, Chenango County, New York. About the same time he 
learned the trade of watchmaker and jeweler. Later he entered Geneva (now 
Hobart) College, from which he was graduated in 1850. For two years sub- 
sequent to graduation Mr, Belshaw acted as collector for the Erie Canal 
locks at Little Falls. Meanwhile he had heard reports about California and 
its possibilities — attracted by these reports he decided to seek a livelihood 
on the Coast. In 1852 he came via the Isthmus of Panama to San Francisco, 
thence proceeding to Mokelumne Hill, Calaveras County, where he worked 
as carpenter for a time. His next business venture was the opening of a jew- 
elry store at Fiddletown, Amador County, where he also held the position 
as agent for the Wells Fargo Express Company. About 1864 he removed to 
San Francisco, where he became connected with the Pacific Refinery. Pos- 
sessing mechanical genius, he invented a number of useful devices, among 
them the Belshaw water-gate, still used in many mining districts. In 1868 he 
went to Inyo County and opened the Cerro Gordo Mines. While there he 
successfully solved the problem of smelting the rebellious galena ore and in- 
vented the water-jacket furnace now used in all smelters. An important en- 
terprise in connection with the mines was the establishment of a freight 
route that utilized about fifteen hundred mules and horses for the convey- 
ance of the bullion over the mountains and desert. On severing his connec- 
tion with the mines as manager he retained a large financial interest. Mr. 
Belshaw came to Antioch in 1877, and in company with Judson and Rouse 
opened the Empire Coal Mines in the foothills of Mount Diablo. They built 
a railroad and dockage. As a stockholder and director, he was interested in 
the Kennedy Mining & Milling Company, near Jackson, Amador County. He 
was president of the Gwin Mine Development Company of Calaveras Coun- 
ty. He was the Republican candidate for assemblyman from Amador County 
in 1856. Many of his articles bearing upon the silver question were published 
in papers throughout California as well as in other parts of the country. The 
failure of his health led to his retirement from personal control of his vari- 
ous interests. After an illness of six months he died at the home of his son, 
in Antioch, April 28, 1898. Mr. Belshaw was united in marriage in 1858 to 
Miss Jane E. Oxner, a native of Herkimer County, New York; she died in 
1900, at the age of sixty-four years. Their older son, William Conrad, was 
born June 5, 1859, and died July 5, 1864. 

ELAM BROWN BARBER is a son of Mathew Root Barber, one of the re- 
spected pioneers of Contra Costa County, and who was born in Delaware 
County, Ohio, August 7, 1815. When two years of age he was taken to Bond 
County, Illinois, where his father engaged in farming. His father died when 
Mathew R. was young, and he made his home with the family of the Honor- 
able Elam Brown. Here Mr. Barber's father attended school and resided un- 
til he was twenty-one years of age. In 1837 he took in a partner and followed 



434 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



farming and wagon-making. On March 15, 1849, he joined a party and crossed 
the plains, making the journey in six months. The first place at which he 
stopped in California was Hangtown, now Placerville. This was in Septem- 
ber. Mr. Barber mined for a time, and then engaged in lumbering near San 
Antonio, then in Contra Costa County. While working in the redwoods he 
wrote tickets for the first election of officers in this and Alameda County. 
He erected many of the first houses in Martinez, and on February 14, 1851, 
he sailed from San Francisco via Panama and New Orleans and went to Il- 
linois. Remaining one year, he, with his wife and family, drove a band of 
stock across the plains to California, arriving at Martinez, August 22, 1852. 
In the fall of 1852 he purchased a beautiful tract of land consisting of four 
hundred and forty-three acres. Mr. Barber was elected to the office of Public 
Administrator for four successive terms. He was married in Pike County, 
Illinois, November 14, 1837, to Orpha Bean. The subject of this sketch was 
born June 13, 1846, near Jacksonville, Illinois, and crossed the plains with his 
parents when five years of age. He was educated in the public schools of 
Martinez and Heald's College, San Francisco. Finishing his education, Mr. 
Barber returned to the home ranch and has remained here since. There were 
six children in the parents' family, and our subject is the only one living. 
Mr. Barber is a Republican, but never aspired to public office. 

JAMES E. RODGERS, one of the prominent attorneys of Contra Costa 
County, is a man to whom success has come as a result of unfaltering deter- 
mination, untiring industry, energy, and enterprise, for he has worked his 
way upward to the success which he now enjoys. Mr. Rodgers is a native of 
California, his birth having occurred at Sonora, Tuolumne County, May 2, 
1865. His father, P. F. Rodgers, was a native of Ireland, and came to America 
in 1849. He came to California via Cape Horn, and settled in Sonora County, 
where he became interested in mining until 1868, when he removed to Pleas- 
ant Hill, Contra Costa County. Here he took up ranching until his death, 
which occurred in 1891. Mr. Rodgers' mother, Mary (Holland) Rodgers, was 
also a native of Ireland. His parents were married in Sonora County, and 
four children were born of this union. John F., of Oakland, California; Rose 
M., wife of John G. Duane, of Martinez; Sadie J., wife of T. S. Duane, of 
Martinez; and the subject of this sketch. In 1897 Mr. Rodgers was admitted 
to the bar, and the same year was elected county clerk, which office he held 
for ten years. He resigned in 1908 to take up the practice of law in Martinez, 
where he has since resided. Mr. Rodgers was united in marriage April 29, 
1890, to Miss Alice Buckley, a daughter of William H. and Mary Buckley. To 
this union have been born James E., Jr., and Alice, who is at present at- 
tending the Berkeley School of Art. Mr. Rodgers is affiliated with the Re- 
publican party. Fraternally he is a member of the I. O. O. F., W. O. W., B. 
P. O. E., and Native Sons. He is an able lawyer, and his professional attain- 
ments put him in the front rank of the legal fraternity of the Bay counties. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 435 

ALFRED S. ORMSBY is one of the prominent attorneys of Contra Costa 
County, California, and occupies a place today among the leading jurists of 
the State. He was born in Petaluma, December 23, 1871, and is the son of 
Alfred Walter and Lucy G. (Price) Ormsby. His father was a native of New 
York State, and his mother was born in London, England. Mr. Ormsby's 
father died in Oakland on December 11, 1877. His mother makes her resi- 
dence in Walnut Creek. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in 
the public and high schools of California. He studied law and passed his ex- 
aminations with high honors, winning his admission to the bar in 1897. He 
practiced in Oakland for a period of ten years, and then removed to Contra 
Costa County. Was justice of the peace at Walnut Creek, and resigned and 
was appointed chief deputy to the Honorable A. B. McKenzie, then district 
attorney for Contra Costa County. He is now chief deputy under Thomas D. 
Johnston, present district attorney. Mr. Ormsby is affiliated with the Repub- 
lican party. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic lodge and Eastern 
Star chapter. He also is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, the I. O. 
O. F., and is an active member of the Native Sons. He was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Alice A. Waite, of Walnut Creek, November 30, 1893. Their 
children are Walter A., born June 29, 1898, a high school student, and Alice 
Marian, born August i, 1906. 

RUDOLPH A. WILSON was born near Scottsboro, Jackson County, Ala- 
bama, November 5, 1882, being the eldest son of William Yancey and Emma 
(Ulrich) Wilson, both natives of Alabama. At the age of ten years he re- 
moved with his parents to Arkansas, and a few years later to Texas. He at- 
tended the public school until he had attained the age of fourteen years, 
when he accompanied his father, who had become an evangelist, on a tour 
of the Southern States. Possessing a good voice and some musical ability, he 
conducted the musical part of revival meetings with his father for some 
years. In 1898 the family removed to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and it was here 
young Wilson began to learn the printing business, and by close application 
mastered the details of the trade and became a competent mechanic. In 1902, 
with his family, he came to Southern California, and in January, 1903, came 
to Oakland, to take a position on the staff of the Messiah's Advocate, in 
which position he did both mechanical and literary work. On May 19, 1905, 
he was married to Miss Lena Evans, of Sherman, Texas, a young lady whom 
he had met some years previously while with his father in evangelistic work. 
To this union there have been born three daughters: Vida, born July 10, 
1907; Ruth, born May 27, 1909; Margaret, born July 12, 1916. In 1905 he es- 
tablished a job-printing business in Oakland, which he conducted about a 
year, after which he was engaged by various printing establishments in San 
Francisco until July, 1908, when he became editor and proprietor of the 
Spreckels Courier, in Monterey County, later disposing of his interest in this 
paper and establishing the Spreckels Enterprise, which he conducted success- 



436 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

fully for some years. He also organized the Tri-County Publishing Com- 
pany, Inc., and became its president and manager. This company published a 
monthly agricultural journal. Mr. Wilson was one of the founders of the 
Spreckels Improvement Association and its first secretary, being also a mem- 
ber of the State Association of Commercial Organization Secretaries. In 
August, 1913, having disposed of his Monterey County interests, Mr. Wilson 
came to Antioch and became associated with the Antioch Ledger^ which posi- 
tion he still holds. He has displayed at all times a keen interest in the col- 
lection of historical data and publicity work generally. Fraternally, Mr. 
Wilson is a member of the Antioch Lodge of Free Masons, a past grand 
and a past chief patriarch (of the Encampment branch) of the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the Rebekah Lodge. He is a mem- 
ber of the official board of the First Congregational Church of Antioch; 
also a member of the executive board of the Contra Costa County Christian 
Endeavor Union; and is vice-president of the Martinez Typographical 
Union. He has the reputation of standing for that which is cleanest and best 
in community afifairs. 

JOEL D. WIGHTMAN, deceased, was born in Council Bluflfs, Iowa, April 
I, 1853. His parents came to California in 1854 and settled in Santa Clara 
Valley for a short period, after which they moved to Dutch Flat, Placer 
County, where Mr. Wightman's father engaged in farming. From here the 
family went to Solano County, where the father died. The family removed 
to Carson City, Nevada, where Mr. Wightman acquired his education. The 
family removed to Santa Cruz, and later to Vacaville, at which place Mr. 
Wightman learned the wheelwright trade. He came to Antioch and learned 
the contracting business. He purchased the first land sold in the vicinity of 
Oakley, and was successful in conducting an orchard. While in the con- 
tracting business Mr. Wightman was practically the first choice of both 
Democrats and Republicans for the office of supervisor for his district, and 
was elected twice by large majorities. He has always taken a deep interest 
in county affairs, and was largely instrumental in securing the new court- 
house. Mr. Wightman was united in marriage in Antioch to Sarah Osborn, 
of Carson City, Nevada, March 5, 1874. To this imion were born Carleton E., 
Charles B., Percy S. (of Byron), Ray S., and Misses Bessie and Minerva (of 
Antioch). Mr. Wightman was one of the highly respected and representative 
men of the county. His death was due to injuries received nearly twelve 
years ago. At the time of the accident, June 29, 1905, Mr. Wightman was 
superintending the raising of a large flag-pole at the Live Oak School near 
Oakley, when the staff slipped and pinned him to the ground, badly fractur- 
ing his spine. From that time until his death he was compelled to use awheel 
chair. Mr. Wightman was a man of sound business judgment, and was emi- 
nently fitted to hold the responsible positions with which he was honored. 
He served the people of Antioch district for two terms as justice of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL 437 

peace with honor to himself and credit to his constituents. He served in this 
office nearly six years. Fraternally, Mr. Wightman was a member of the 
Masonic lodge of Antioch. His death occurred March 5, 1917. He was a man 
of many sterling qualities, and he won the respect and confidence of all who 
came in contact with him. In official and social relations he held steadily to 
high ideals. 

GEORGE H. FIELD is one of the successful and prominent contractors of 
eastern Contra Costa County. His birth occurred in Kent County, Canada, 
May 12, 1864, a son of Benjamin and Mary A. (Mitten) Field, both parents 
being natives of Canada, Mr. Field's mother passed away when he was but 
eight years of age. His parents removed to Reed City, Michigan, when 
George was young. Here he acquired a common school education. Early in 
life Mr. Field assisted his father and learned the carpenter trade. This voca- 
tion he has always followed with gratifying results. At the age of sixteen 
Mr. Field came to the Pacific Coast, where he readily found employment at 
his trade in Tacoma and Seattle, Washington. He removed to Stockton, 
where he resided for twenty years. Many fine business buildings and resi- 
dences in Stockton, Pittsburg, Antioch, and surrounding communities testify 
to his skill and ability. For eight years he was identified with the Santa Fe 
Railroad, and had charge of bridges and buildings. TWelve years ago he sev- 
ered his connection with the railroad, and has since followed contracting 
and building. Politically, Mr. Field is a Democrat. He takes a keen interest 
in local affairs, but has never aspired to office. He was united in marriage to 
Mary A. Sexton, of Stockton, California, on May 29, 1888. To this union have 
been born five children: Ruth, born December 29, 1890; Genevieve, born Oc- 
tober 28, 1892; Percy, born January 10, 1897; Cyril, born January 24, 1895; 
Wesley, born February 21, 1900. Fraternally, Mr. Field is a member of Char- 
ity Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., of Stockton. He is held in high regard by his 
business associates by reason of his enterprise and integrity. 

ALDEN NATHAN NORCROSS is one of the highly respected and repre- 
sentative citizens of eastern Contra Costa County. Energy, ability, and well- 
directed ambition, controlled by sound judgment, have constituted the foun- 
dation upon which Mr. Norcross built his success. He was born in Wood- 
bury, Vermont, November 27, 1828, a son of Captain James R. Norcross and 
Eleanor (Blanchard) Norcross, who were from among the representative 
families of their section. Mr. Norcross's parents were both born in Ver- 
mont. His father was a farmer, and Alden assisted on the home place and 
attended school. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Norcross started out in life 
for himself. He went to Boston, where he engaged in the dray business, and 
has the distinction of building the first low dray in the United States, as far 
as he can ascertain. In 1861 he enlisted for three years, and was assigned to 
light horse artillery in Captain Nim's battery, Mr. Norcross served in the 



438 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

army three years, and during this time his brother Joseph carried on the 
business in Boston. In 1864 Mr. Norcross received an honorable discharge 
and returned to Boston, and there was actively engaged in his business for 
twenty years. Mr. Norcross has always been a lover of good horses and al- 
ways owned the best, and it may be related here that while in the army he 
was selected on several occasions by his General and sent on one occa- 
sion to New Orleans, where he selected and took one hundred and seventy 
mules and one hundred horses back to camp. The General told Mr. Nor- 
cross's captain that when he wanted horses to have Mr. Norcross get them; 
that he knew good horses, and could get back in half the time required by the 
commissioned officers. Mr. Norcross spent some years in Texas, where he 
did farming and freighting. In 1890 he removed to California, and settled in 
the sandland section, which is now Oakley, where with Mr. Marsh he pur- 
chased twenty acres of land and platted the town-site. Soon after laying out 
the town Mr. Norcross and Mr. Marsh severed their business relation, and 
Mr. Norcross gave a half block for school and playgrounds, and presented 
two lots as a site for the Methodist church. In March, 1861, Mr. Norcross 
was married to Julia Langmaid, of Pittsfield, New Hampshire. To this union 
were born six children, of whom two are living, Bert Leland and Florence, 
the latter making her home in Antioch. Mrs. Norcross, wife of our subject, 
died in Pittsfield, N. H., in the early '70s. Politically Mr. Norcross is a Re- 
publican. While he has taken a keen interest in national affairs, he has never 
aspired to local office. 

BERT LELAND NORCROSS, son of Alden N., was born at Summerville, 
Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, January 4, 1872. Mr. Norcross acquired a 
common-school education, coming to California with his father in 1890. After 
reaching San Francisco and remaining over night, Bert started out alone 
over the mountains and landed in Brentwood, where he found employment 
with Henry McCabe at ranching. He worked out for five years and then 
purchased ten acres; to this soon after he added twenty-one acres, and has 
been constantly purchasing land, until now he owns one hundred and fifteen 
acres, all in almonds and walnuts of the choicest varieties. In 1915 Mr. Nor- 
cross shipped sixteen tons of nuts. Politically, he is a progressive. He has 
taken a keen interest in educational work, and assisted in building the first 
school in Oakley, and serves as a trustee. Mr. Norcross has taken an active 
part in the temperance movement in this county. He was twice married, the 
first union being to Phyllis Trembath, of Antioch; her death occurred in 
San Francisco. The second marriage was to Sophia Hamma, of San Fran- 
cisco, October 30, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Norcross are members of the Metho- 
dist Church. Mr. Norcross is one of the successful members of the county, 
and to him belongs the title of self-made man. Through his energy he has 
risen to be one of the leading men of the eastern part of Contra Costa 
County. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 439 

JAMES M. STOW. — Ceaseless industry, supplemented by sound judgment, 
has rendered possible the success gained by James M. Stow. He is a man of 
progressive and enterprising ideas and methods, and is one of Contra Costa 
County's leading and influential citizens. Mr. Stow was born in Illinois in 
1847, a son of Josephus Stow, a native of Massachusetts, who was united to 
Susan Dodd in marriage and made a journey to Illinois. Mr. Stow's father 
took up Government land and was one of the leading farmers in his local- 
ity. During the gold rush to California Mr. Stow's father left his ranch in 
competent hands and joined the rush, coming overland by ox-team. He en- 
gaged in mining and was fairly successful, and in 1856 he sent for his wife 
and three children to join him. They came via the Panama route, and lived 
in Nevada County until 1859, when the family came to San Francisco, owing 
to the health of the father. His death occurred in i860. Afterward Mrs. Stow 
settled in Danville, where she married John Perham, and the family removed 
to Walnut Creek. Her death occurred in 1884. She was born in South Caro- 
lina in 1818. From his twelfth year Mr. Stow was reared in Contra Costa 
County, and has ever since resided here, with the exception of a few years, 
when he removed to Pacific Grove, where he erected one of the palatial 
homes of that city. He served as city councilman and mayor of Pacific 
Grove, and resigned the office as mayor in order to return to Walnut Creek 
to look after his many interests there. Mr. Stow acquired his education in 
the public schools of Oakland. His early business training was gained in a 
general store in Walnut Creek, and he later clerked for Shuey Bros. In 1875 
he opened a general store in Walnut Creek, where he continued in business 
until he was elected to the office of assessor on the Republican ticket in 1880. 
This office he filled to the entire satisfaction of the people of this county for 
a period of seven years. In 1887 he disposed of the store interests, when he 
engaged in the real estate and insurance business. He is, and has been, one 
of the county's best promoters. Mr. Stow has made an acceptable and faith- 
ful postmaster and competent Wells Fargo agent; has been notary public, 
and was one of the chief promoters and organizers of the first telephone 
company in this county. For a time he was the owner of the Martinez Gazette. 
He is a stockholder in the Bank of Martinez, the Bank of Walnut Creek, and 
the Bank of Pacific Grove. When a tunnel was projected through the moun- 
tains, making a direct outlet to Oakland from Contra Costa County, a dis- 
tance of 1026 feet, there were several bids from contractors to build the part 
belonging to this county, but the county voted to have the construction work 
done by the supervisors. Mr. Stow stepped in and built the necessary road, 
and in so doing saved the county over $17,000 over the amount of the lowest 
bidder. Fraternally, he is a Mason and for a number of years he served as 
secretary of the Walnut Creek lodge. At one time he was active in the ranks 
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mr. Stow has been a member of 
the Methodist church for many years, and has served as trustee of the Pa- 
cific Grove church. He purchased the pleasantly situated estate of Captain 



440 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



Fale near Walnut Creek some years ago. He has continually added to the 
improvement of this property, making it one of the comfortable and attrac- 
tive places near the town. All told, he owns about five thousand acres of 
valuable land. Mr. Stow was twice married, the first union being to Alice 
Glass, a daughter of Joseph Glass, one of Contra Costa's respected pioneers, 
on April 22, 1873, and her death occurred in July, 1912. The children of this 
union have been Dr. Eleanor M. Bancroft, born June 2, 1874; Hattie, born 
March 20, 1876 (died in 1877) ; Carrie, wife of R. L. Palmer, of Walnut Creek, 
born June 8, 1878; Garfield, engaged in the real-estate business in Oakland, 
born April 30, 1880; Rufus, in the employ of the Government, born August 
29, 1882; Pearl, wife of Joseph Lawrence, born July 29, 1884; Orville, at pres- 
ent constable at Walnut Creek, born August 3, 1886; Harry, identified with 
the Burgess Company, born August 7, 1888; Armond, born August 17, 1890; 
Russell, born December 17, 1893; Forrest Chadbourne, born July 19, 1896. 
The second union of Mr. Stow occurred March 20, 1912. To this union was 
born Berring, June 25, 1914. During Mr. Stow's last term of office as super- 
visor he was an important factor in the building of the new courthouse at 
Martinez. He is a Republican and a "standpatter." He has always taken a 
keen interest in political matters, and he is widely known and esteemed by 
all. 

COL. J. R. COATES, deceased, was born in Charlotte, Maine, March 26, 
1826. At the age of twenty-three, together with his brother-in-law, John 
Beckford, he left home in the brig "Sirocco," December 6, 1849. In addition 
to paying fifty dollars for his passage, he worked before the mast, and ar- 
riving in San Francisco he was employed in lightering work on the docks. 
He went to Sacramento with Captain Crocker on the schooner "Elizabeth," 
of Barnstable. Leaving Sacramento he went to Boone's Bar on the Feather 
River, where he soon made a small fortune. Learning there was a great de- 
mand for pork in the Hawaiian Islands, he and a companion decided to buy 
a shipload of hogs and take them to the islands. However, when about half- 
way to their destination the hogs were taken ill and all died with cholera. 
The young men had invested all their money in the cargo, and, being penni- 
less, signed as able seamen and continued their voyage. They visited the 
South Sea Islands, and during a trip to Tahiti the queen of that domain fell 
in love with young Coates. She proposed marriage to him and agreed to 
make him king. He did not care to accept, and through the strategy of his 
friends he was smuggled aboard the ship at night while the queen was look- 
ing for him. He then followed a roving life and visited many of the coun- 
tries of Central and South America. He afterward returned to California and 
took up mining. He was again successful, and later returned to his native 
city, where he purchased a farm and engaged in the lumber business and 
ship building. On March 3, 1852, Colonel Coates was united in marriage to 
Miss Juliet M, Fisher, also a native of Charlotte, Maine, the bride belonging 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



441 



to one of the well-known and highly respected colonial families. To this 
union there were two children, Mrs. Juliette C. Harding, of Antioch, Cali- 
fornia, and Margaret Reynolds Coates, who died at the age of seven. When 
the call for troops was made at the beginning of the Civil War, Colonel 
Coates organized Company A, Fifteenth Regiment, Maine Volunteer Infan- 
try, being selected as sergeant. He had a fine military record, being promoted 
rapidly for bravery until the end of the conflict, when he returned with the 
rank of colonel. He was wounded many times, one ball shattering his left 
hand, another ploughing a furrow through his scalp, and a third shattering 
his ankle. The latter wound was received during Banks' Red River cam- 
paign, the wound being received at the battle of Mansfield, Louisiana, fol- 
lowing which he was captured. He saw service with General Butler when he 
captured New Orleans, and also was present with Grant's troops during the 
siege of Richmond. Being mustered out on parole, he soon afterward joined 
his regiment in the Shenandoah Valley, and served until the end of the war, 
being finally mustered out at Charleston, South Carolina. After getting back 
to Maine, Colonel Coates decided to return to California. He arrived here 
in 1867, with his family. He went to the mines, but found he had lost all 
right to his claims. He finally located in Contra Costa County and bought a 
tract of land upon which is now located Bixler Station on the Santa Fe 
Railroad. His original holding was the one-hundred-and-sixty-acre soldier's 
grant, but he soon bought more land until he owned six hundred and forty 
acres. In 1874 Mrs. Coates and her daughter returned East for her health, 
and she died in 1878. In 1880 Colonel Coates was united in marriage to Eliza- 
beth Blanche Madigan, of Baltimore. Directly after the death of his wife, in 
1878, he left the Bixler tract and made his home on what is known as the 
Hill Ranch, south of Antioch, where one of the most improved dairy ranches 
in the State is operated. Colonel Coates first engaged in the cattle business 
and gradually changed to farming. At one time he engaged in a general 
merchandise business with Henry Brewer. When oil was first discovered 
south of Antioch, Colonel Coates purchased eight hundred and three acres 
in Oil Caiion. About thirty-one years ago he purchased property in Brent- 
wood, and erected Coates' Hall in that place. He was afifiliated with the 
Masonic order for many years. Colonel Coates' death occurred in Antioch 
on July 27, 1915. In all the relations of life he proved himself a useful, con- 
scientious citizen of sound ideas and principles, and one who considered an 
untarnished name of greater value than the mere acquirement of wealth. He 
was a man of excellent judgment, fair in his views, and highly honorable in 
all his relations with his fellow-man. Two grandchildren survive him, John 
Coates Harding, born in San Francisco, July 8, 1882, and Stacy L. Harding, 
a graduate of the University of California, born in Waltham, Massachusetts, 
September 20, 1892. The latter is now employed in the Commercial Bank of 
Santa Barbara, and will eventually look after the property and business in- 
terests of his father. 



442 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



JOSEPH A. VON BUREN, one of the prominent ranchers of eastern Con- 
tra Costa County, was born in Switzerland, March 21, 1858, a son of Henry 
and Anna (Nederberger) Von Buren. In the parents' family were two girls 
and five sons. Joseph is the only one who came to Contra Costa County. He 
received his education in the public schools and attended college at Luzern, 
Switzerland, for three and a half years. He studied for a teacher, but before 
he had finished he was called home, where he assisted on the farm. His father 
died in 1886, and his mother passed away in 1866. At the age of eighteen 
Joseph went to Germany and worked on a farm at Essen for five years. He 
then returned home for a year and then spent two years in France. In the 
spring of 1882 he left Havre, France, and sailed for America. He went to St. 
Louis, where he found work at dairying, and milked thirty-six cows, for 
which he received twenty-five dollars a month. He remained here for two 
years, and in 1884 came to California, finding employment in Oakland at the 
dairy business for one year. He then removed to Marin County, where he 
worked at butter-making for seven years. In 1898 he went to the Paris Ex- 
position, and while home, he married Theresa Gwerder, a native of Switzer- 
land. To this union were born six children. Mr. and Mrs. Von Buren re- 
turned to Marin County where they remained one year, and then rented one 
hundred and sixty acres near Oakley for three years. In 1898 he bought one 
hundred and sixty acres known as the Winters Ranch, in 1902 purchased 
three hundred and twenty acres of the Harkinson family, and in 1906 bought 
one hundred and sixty acres known as the Crocker Ranch. The children 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Von Buren are Lillie, born May 10, 1898; Violet, born 
November 11, 1900; Orville, born October 24, 1901; Werner, born August 24, 
1904; Edward and Daniel, twins, born September 15, 1906. Mr. Von Buren is 
a Republican, and the family are members of the Catholic church. 

ARCHIE V. McFAUL. — Characterized by the same energetic activity, men- 
tal vigor, and business foresight that distinguished his father, James Reid 
McFaul, the subject of this review holds a high position among the leading 
business and fraternal men of Contra Costa County. He was born in Hamp- 
shire, Illinois, the son of James Reid and Francis M. (Davis) McFaul, both 
natives of Ontario, Canada. The parents of Mr. McFaul were married in 
Kingston, Ontario. Some time after their marriage they moved to Illinois. 
The father became identified with the C. B. & Q. R. R. at McCook, Nebraska, 
a division point. The family removed to California in 1894, and the father 
engaged in business in Watsonville. In 1905 he came to Contra Costa Coun- 
ty, and in 1908 located in Pittsburg, where he engaged in the furniture, hard- 
ware, and plumbing business under the firm name of J. R. McFaul & Son, 
which continued until the death of James R. McFaul, which occurred March 
6, 1912, when Archie, his son and the subject of this sketch, took the man- 
agement. James McFaul was buried by Pittsburg Lodge No. 429, F. &. A. M. 
He was honored and esteemed by all who knew him, and his death was 



BIOGRAPHICAL 443 

mourned by a wide circle of friends. Archie V. McFaul acquired his educa- 
tion in the public schools of California. For eight years he worked at mill- 
work and then associated himself with his father. His political affiliations 
are with the Republican party, and he has served on the River View school 
board for some time. He is a member of the Pittsburg board of health. Mr. 
McFaul was united in marriage September 18, 1910, to Miss Lillian A. Rou- 
ner, of Grass Valley. To this union Janice R. was born in Pittsburg, October 
15, 1915, Mr. McFaul is past master of Pittsburg and Antioch lodge, and has 
always taken a keen interest in Masonic affairs. He is now serving as secre- 
tary of Pittsburg lodge. Both Mr, and Mrs. McFaul are members of the 
Eastern Star. He has one sister, Vera, wife of James S. Hornsby, who is 
salesman and bookkeeper for the firm. Mrs. McFaul before her marriage was 
identified with the Redwood Lumber Company as stenographer, for a period 
of three years, and in the Contra Costa County Bank in the same capacity 
for two years. Mr. McFaul's father was a thirty-second-degree Mason. 

WILBUR S. PIERCE, one of the leading and successful attorneys of Rich- 
mond, engaged in the general practice of law, was born in Yolo County, 
California, March 12, 1889, a son of Charles E. and Virginia Pierce. His 
father is a native of Missouri, and his mother a native of California. Wilbur 
S. attended the graded and high schools in the acquirement of an education. 
Following his graduation from the high school, in 1910, he entered the Hast- 
ings Law College, graduating in 1912, and was admitted to the bar at Sacra- 
mento in 1913, beginning the practice of his profession in the district attor- 
ney's office at Woodland, California. He later removed to Richmond, where 
he has remained up to the present time, having built up an extensive and 
lucrative clientage as a practitioner of law. On November 15, 1914, Mr. 
Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Eakle, daughter of J. B. and 
Lillian Eakle. Her parents were among the pioneers of Richmond. Mrs. 
Pierce's father died in 1906, and was numbered among the well-known and 
highly respected business men of the Bay counties. He was identified with 
the lumber interests of Richmond, was well known for his upright character, 
and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Mrs. Pierce's mother 
makes her home in Portland, Oregon, Mr. Pierce has served as assistant dis- 
trict attorney of Richmond for one year. Politically, he is a Republican, and 
has taken considerable interest along party lines. Fraternally, he is identi- 
fied with the Richmond lodge of Masons and belongs to the chapter. He is 
also a member of the Elks of Richmond. He is the legal adviser of the Mer- 
chants Association, the Tilden Lumber Company, and other interests in 
Richmond. His professional knowledge is inexhaustive, and in his practice 
he is tactful, his ability winning him a greater degree of success than usually 
falls to the lot of an attorney of his age and experience. Mrs. Pierce's grand- 
mother deeded the land where Woodland is located, and gave the town its 
name. She is still living in her eighty-ninth year. Her grandfather was num- 



444 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



bered among the most respected citizens of Yolo County, and at one time 
was a candidate for governor of California. 

AUTY O. DUGGAN, by his own energy, ambition and enterprise, and guid- 
ed by sound practical judgment, has worked his way upward to a place among 
the representative real-estate men of Richmond. He was born in Texas, 
March 17, 1886. He acquired his education in the public and high schools of 
his native State. Early in life he went to Clifton, Arizona, and worked in the 
copper mines. In 1905 he removed to Richmond, California, and became 
identified with the East Shore Suburban Railroad, remaining for a period of 
seven years. In 1912 he became identified with D. W. McLaughlin in the real- 
estate business as salesman for two years. Previous to Mr. McLaughlin's death 
he had charge of the office, and since his death Mr. Duggan has been associ- 
ated with the East Richmond Heights Land Company as manager. This cor- 
poration is made up of the following well-known men: E. M. Downer, presi- 
dent; Chas. Lehmkuhl, secretary; A. Greenfield, treasurer; L. E. Hart, audit- 
or; A. O. Duggan, manager. Mr. Duggan has advanced along lines which 
have brought success, and he has been actuated by a spirit that recognizes 
the fact that efficiency and capability are the only qualities which really en- 
title one to advancement. He was united in marriage to Miss Florence Dun- 
can, of Richmond, July 15, 1914. To this union one son, Auty Wilson Dug- 
gan, was born April 27, 1915. Fraternally, Mr. Duggan is affiliated with the 
B, P. O. E. No. 1251, of Richmond. Mr. and Mrs. Duggan have a wide circle 
of friends in and around the Bay counties. 

WALTER A. LA SELLE is an active factor in the commercial circles of 
Richmond, and is regarded as one of the enterprising and progressive young 
business men of his city. He was born in Nortonville, California, April 2, 
1886. His parents are Erastus P. and Hattie B. La Selle. His father is a na- 
tive of New York State and his mother was born in Montana. Mr. La Selle's 
parents came to Contra Costa County in 1887, locating in Crockett, where 
his father became actively engaged in business, remaining in Crockett about 
eighteen years. He removed to Oakland, where he was engaged in business 
for two years. In 1904 he came to Richmond, and at once established a fur- 
niture store, the firm then being known as La Selle & Smallwood. This firm 
continued for about two years, when Mr. Smallwood disposed of his interest 
to his partner. The subject of this review received his education in the pub- 
lic schools of Oakland, graduating from the Polytechnic High School. He 
took a course in the medical department of the University, but did not finish. 
He decided to take an interest in his father's furniture store in Richmond, 
where he has since remained. Politically, Mr. La Selle is affiliated with the 
Democratic party, and has served on the Democratic county central com- 
mittee. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond. On Octo- 
ber 10, 1914, he was united in marriage to Miss Hester Rickabaugh, a native 



BIOGRAPHICAL 445 

of Lake County, California, and a member of the Native Daughters of the 
Golden West. Mr. La Selle concentrates his energies upon his business af- 
fairs. He is a young man, and the progress that he has made already indi- 
cates the success which will come to him in the future. He has the confi- 
dence and esteem of those with whom he has been associated in business, 
and of all who are in any way connected with him. 

GUSTAV W. PENNING. — Through the successive stages of progression, 
Gustav W. Penning has advanced to his present position of responsibility 
and importance as manager of the Santa Fe Foundry Company, of Rich- 
mond. He was born in Honolulu, September 3, 1883. He is the son of Henry 
and Charlotte Penning, both natives of Germany. His parents removed to 
California and located in Berkeley, where the mother still resides. Our sub- 
ject received his education in the public schools, and at the age of seventeen 
he started to learn the moulder's trade, which vocation he has followed all 
his life. He started with the Enterprise Foundry Company, of San Francisco, 
and remained with this firm until July 2.T, 1912, when he removed to Rich- 
mond and erected for the Enterprise Company the present commodious 
foundry. It has since been incorporated under the name of the Santa Fe 
Foundry Company of California, with the following officers: President, J. 
W. Mason; vice-president, J. C. Owens; secretary and manager, Gustav W. 
Penning. The firm manufactures iron and brass castings and does a general 
foundry and machine business. In politics Mr. Penning is a Republican. Fra- 
ternally, he is a member of Hermann's Sons of Berkeley. He was united in 
marriage to Miss Emma Klemm on June 6, 1907, and they have one son, 
Henry, born March 16, 1909. 

HON. JAMES C. OWENS is numbered among the distinguished men of 
California because of the prominence he has attained in promoting the per- 
manent interests of the State along all lines. Senator Owens was born in 
Maysville, Kentucky, November 22, 1871, and acquired his education in the 
public schools of his native State. He is the son of J. S. Owens, who was one 
of the representative farmers and stockmen of his locality. In 1893 Senator 
Owens came to California and was identified with the San Francisco Street 
Railroad Company. He later engaged in the tobacco business. At the out- 
break of the Spanish-American War he enlisted and went to the Philippines, 
where he saw active service for eighteen months. After the war he served as 
chief sales clerk in the United States Depot Quartermaster's Department at 
Manila, and later as secretary-treasurer for the Provincial Government un- 
der Governor Taft. Upon his return to the United States, Senator Owens 
came to Richmond and took the management of a brick-manufacturing 
plant for a period of two years, after which he was identified with the hotel 
business at Richmond for several years, and in 191 1 he engaged in the real- 
estate business. He is interested in several properties, the most important of 



446 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

which is the Owens Addition to the city of Richmond. Previous to his elec- 
tion as State senator the honors of the mayorality of Richmond were con- 
ferred upon him, and he served during 1911 and 1912, resigning to take the 
office of State senator. While mayor he carefully studied every situation that 
bore upon the welfare of Richmond. The knowledge he gained in this office 
had much to do with shaping the policy of State matters. During his office 
as mayor bonds amounting to $1,170,000 were voted by the city to improve 
the water-front. Senator Owens is the first democratic senator to be elected 
from his district in forty years. He was elected in 1912 by a plurality of fif- 
teen hundred votes over the Republican candidate. He was very active and 
particularly successful in getting legislation for the benefit of his district. 
Among the bills that he introduced and passed were a bill providing that all 
the tide-lands along the Richmond water-front be granted by the State to 
the municipality, so that it might improve these lands as it saw fit, a bill pro- 
viding that saloons be closed between the hours of two and six a. m., and a 
number of bills simplifying the street and other municipal improvement 
acts, which he found cumbersome during his term of office as mayor of 
Richmond. During Senator Owens' administration as mayor Richmond ex- 
pended three million dollars on street and other improvements. On May 22, 
1907, he was united in marriage to Miss Edith Berryman, a native of Cali- 
fornia, To this union one child, Mildred B., was born on August 29, 1909. 
Senator Owens is prominently identified in the fraternal and commercial 
circles of Richmond. He was the organizer of the Richmond Industrial Com- 
mission, and has served as president of the Sequoia Commercial Club. In 
1913 he was the official representative of the city of Richmond, heading the 
delegation which went to Washington to lay their project before the En- 
gineering Board for the approval of the district engineer's plan to improve 
the Richmond water-front and harbor three miles in length. Fraternally, 
Senator Owens is a member of the B. P. O. E. and I. O. O. F. of Richmond, 
and a member of the Spanish-American War Veterans. He is a man of pro- 
gressive views and staunch honesty of purpose, and rose to a high place 
among the representative citizens of California. His name adds to the list of 
those whose labors have been so far-reaching and beneficial in effect that 
they have influenced many phases of community development. 

ERNEST WILLIAM REHNERT.— One of the strong, forceful, and re- 
sourceful men, active and energetic among the early pioneers of Contra Cos- 
ta County during the early days, was Ernest William Rehnert. He was born 
in Prussia on September 24, 1824, and in his youthful days he learned the 
trade of blacksmithing. About the age of twenty-one he started out in life 
for himself and traveled extensively. In 1847 he sailed for Galveston, Texas. 
He there worked at his trade for one year, after which he was identified with 
the United States army as blacksmith and veterinary. In September, 1851, he 
started overland through Mexico to Mazatlan, with horse-teams part of the 



BIOGRAPHICAL 447 

journey and the balance of the way on pack-animals. He was accompanied 
by his wife and seven companions, who later sailed from Mazatlan on the 
schooner "Cornelius," arriving in San Francisco on December 16, 1851. In 
October, 1859, he removed to Contra Costa County and located on the San 
Pablo road, about two and a half miles from Pinole. Mr. Rehnert was united 
in marriage in San Antonio, Texas, June 13, 1851, to Barbara Miller, a native 
of Germany. To this union have been born five children: Charles W., Louise 
E., Annie Wilhelmina, whose death occurred on May 21, 1892. The other two 
children were twins, and died in infancy. Mr. Rehnert originally had about 
one hundred and twenty-five acres of land. This land was in litigation for 
forty years, the suit being finally decided against him and others in this lo- 
cality, and he was forced to lose about one hundred and twenty acres. He 
held the homestead, of about five acres, and in order to have more land was 
obliged to pay one hundred and thirty dollars an acre. There are now about 
seventeen acres in the old home place. Mr. Rehnert's death occurred on Sep- 
tember 6, 1892, and on July 28, 1898, his widow passed on. Charles W., the 
only son, was educated in the public schools and college. Finishing his 
schooling, he followed various vocations. He has been assistant superinten- 
dent in the Giant Powder Works, and was identified with the United States 
Powder Company at the time of the explosion. He married Hattie Ward, of 
San Pablo, on May 13, 1893, and their three children are Ernest V., who died 
at the age of nine years; Cecil Ward, born April 5, 1898; Thelma E., born 
May 8, 1906. The names of Ernest William Rehnert and his wife have long 
been held in the highest esteem in Contra Costa County, and their deaths 
were mourned by a large circle of friends. 

JAMES P. ARNOLD. — One of the widely known and enterprising men of 
Richmond, California, and one who has the confidence and esteem of all who 
know him, is James P. Arnold, former chief of police of Richmond. Mr. Ar- 
nold is a native son, and was born in Merced, April 26, 1875, a son of James 
W. and Mary Jane (Hargrave) Arnold. His father was a native of Iowa, and 
his mother was born in Illinois. His parents crossed the plains in 1853 and 
settled in Nevada County. Mr, Arnold's father was a cattleman, and later 
moved to Merced County, where he became one of the prominent citizens of 
that locality and was largely interested in the cattle business. He removed to 
Santa Clara County and died in San Jose in February, 1907. The mother of 
Mr. Arnold makes her home in San Jose. The subject of this review acquired 
his education in the public schools of Santa Clara County. He took up farm- 
ing and rented four hundred acres south of San Jose. In 1901 he came to 
Richmond and was identified with the Santa Fe Railroad, where he remained 
for several months. He engaged in business and continued for nearly two 
years. He worked for the Standard Oil Company, and in 1909 was appointed 
chief of police of Richmond. Resigning in July, 1914, he became a candidate 
for sheriff of Contra Costa County. He is now the manager of the B. P. O. E. 



448 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Club of Richmond. He was married on October 19, 1899, to Miss Edith John- 
son, of San Jose. Mrs. Arnold is a native of Boulder, Colorado, a daughter of 
Daniel Johnson, a retired orchardist of Santa Clara County. There were four 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Arnold — Ila Lucile, Wesley James, Howard 
Stanley, and Ogden Mills. Politically, Mr. Arnold is a Republican and takes 
an active part in the ranks. He is a man of excellent judgment, fair in his 
views, and highly honorable in all his relations with his fellow-men. Frater- 
nally, he is a worthy member of the B. P. O. E., W. O. W., and F. O. E. Mrs. 
Arnold holds membership in the Rebekah lodge, and takes an active part in 
all social affairs of Richmond. 

WILLIAM E. DE LAND is numbered among the representative business 
men of Richmond. His activities have been a force in progress and his citi- 
zenship a valuable municipal asset. Mr, De Land resides in North Richmond, 
San Pablo District. He is one of the leaders in the promotion of construc- 
tion and progress in the community's advancement. He was born in Con- 
nersville, Indiana, on September 23, 1872. His parents were Lyman W. and 
Anna (Thompson) De Land. His father was a native of Broome County, 
New York, and for many years he was identified with Wannamaker & 
Brown, of Philadelphia, as traveling salesman. His death occurred in 1901. 
The mother of Mr. De Land was a native of Pennsylvania, and her death 
occurred on October 5, 1900. The subject of this sketch acquired his educa- 
tion in the public schools, graduating from the high school of New Haven, 
Connecticut. He attended Yale College and took up the engineering and 
millwright course. After leaving college he became identified with the well- 
known contracting firm of John Metcalf Company, of Chicago. For many 
years his advancement was steady, and. owing to his ability, he was pro- 
moted to many important positions. Mr. De Land came to California in 1912, 
locating in Bakersfield for some months, where he followed contracting. 
Later, in 1912, he removed to Richmond, and bought large holdings of land in 
North Richmond, which he has subdivided. Mr. De Land erected a large ho- 
tel and business place in this locality. He also has business interests in 
Richmond. He operates a moving-picture theater, has a transfer business, 
and has the contract for the sprinkling of the streets in Richmond. What- 
ever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion. This repu- 
tation has made him a person on whom his accociates can always depend, 
and he is known for his upright character and his straightforward dealings 
in business circles. Since taking up his residence in Richmond, he has been 
particularly active in the good roads improvement and has done much to 
stimulate interest along those lines. On December 9, 1891, Mr. De Land was 
united in marriage to Miss Linna M. Perkins, a native of Pennsylvania, 
daughter of Albert A. and Melvina Perkins. Her father was one of the promi- 
nent oilmen in his locality. The great-grandfather of Mr. De Land came to 
America with Lafayette and fought in the Revolutionary War. Mr. De 



BIOGRAPHICAL 449 

Land's father during the Civil War enlisted in the thirty-fourth New York 
Infantry, and was discharged owing to disability. He served under Captain 
Baldwin and received seven gun-shot wounds, which incapacitated him for 
further service. Politically, Mr. De Land is affiliated with the Republican 
party, but he has never aspired to office. There have been two children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. De Land, namely, Bernice, born in Chicago, November 20, 
1892, and William A., born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, May 7, 1895. Mrs. 
De Land is a member of the Womans' Relief Corps of the G. A. R., and 
holds membership in the Baptist church of Richmond. Mr. De Land concen- 
trates his attention upon his business affairs, in which he has been very suc- 
cessful, and much credit is due him for the position he has attained among 
the substantial men of Contra Costa County. William A. De Land is identi- 
fied with his father in his various business interests in and around Rich- 
mond. 

EDWARD J. RANDALL, one of the successful and prominent business 
men of Martinez, whose interests extend to many fields, was born in Napa 
County, California, on October 6, 1863. His father, Edmund Randall, was a 
native of England, and came to America in 1850. He resided in Illinois for 
a time, when he came to the Golden State via the Isthmus route. Remaining 
in San Francisco for a brief period, he afterward located in Napa. Later he 
had large interests in Stanislaus County, where the town of Newman is now 
located. In 1879 Mr. Randall's father removed to Contra Costa County and 
settled in Ignacio Valley, where he was identified along agricultural pur- 
suits. He farmed seven hundred acres, provided his place with substantial 
barns and outbuildings, and engaged largely in the live-stock business. He 
passed away in 1901. Mr. Randall's mother's maiden name was Mary Tor- 
mey, a native of Ireland. She was the mother of seven children, only four of 
whom are now living. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public 
schools of Contra Costa County, and at St. Mary's College in San Francisco. 
His further education has been that acquired in the school of experience. He 
has never feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way, and 
his ability and energy have brought him into prominent relations with the 
financial affairs of his chosen county. After his schooling he farmed for five 
years. He then engaged in mercantile business in Concord with his brother 
Samuel, under the firm name of Randall Brothers. Here he continued until 
1909, when he sold his interests. Some years ago he assumed the management 
of the L. Anderson lumber business, which was started in 1859 and incor- 
porated in 1899. This business has grown under his leadership, and today is 
one of the best-equipped plants in the country. His initial step toward the 
banking business was when he and four others subscribed and started the 
First National Bank of Martinez. He has been one of the bank's directors 
ever since, and has held the position of cashier since 1910. In politics, Mr. 
Randall is affiliated with the Democratic party. He has been supervisor for 



450 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

eight years, and is now acting as trustee for the town of Concord. Frater- 
nally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, Woodmen of the 
World, Redmen, and Native Sons. He was united in marriage to Miss Nora 
Anderson on October 30, 1888, and she died December 6, 1900. Mr. Randall's 
second marriage was to Marguerite Anderson, a sister of his first wife, on 
October 29, 1904. There were five children born of the first union and one to 
the second. 

HERSHEY ANNIN STIVER, freight and passenger agent for the South- 
ern Pacific Company at Richmond, California, is a railroad man of ex- 
perience who has won his position entirely on his own merits. His birth oc- 
curred in Benton, Indiana, on March 20, 1878. He acquired his education in 
the public schools of Goshen, Indiana, afterward attending the Michael Uni- 
versity, at Logansport, Indiana, and the Davis Business College, at Toledo, 
Ohio. In 1897 he became identified with railroad work on the Wabash, and 
filled positions as telegraph operator at Millersburg, Indiana, and Adrian and 
Detroit, Michigan, remaining with the Wabash Railroad nearly four years. 
Mr. Stiver has held various positions of importance and trust, and has trav- 
eled all over the country for the various roads he has represented. In 1903 he 
became associated with the Southern Pacific Company, acting as relief 
agent, and traveled largely over the Coast Division, being appointed in 1906 
as assistant freight agent at San Jose. He came to Richmond early in 1908, 
being promoted to freight and passenger agent, which position he now holds 
to the eminent satisfaction of his company. Fraternally, he is a Mason, and 
has the distinction of serving as the first master of Alpha Lodge No. 431, F. & 
A. M., of Richmond. He is also a Royal Arch Mason, a member of the Coun- 
cil, the Commandery, Order of the Eastern Star, Aahmes Temple, Order of 
the Mystic Shrine, and the B. P. O. E. No. 1251, of Richmond. In July, 1906, 
Mr, Stiver was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Alice Estle, a native of 
Kansas. To this union have been born two children — Laura Elizabeth, born 
May 9, 1907, and Martha Frances, born June 11, 191 1. Mrs. Stiver takes an ac- 
tive part in the social and church circles of Richmond, being the worthy ma- 
tron of Acantha Chapter No. 249, of the Eastern Star, for the year 1915, also 
president of the Mendelssohn Club during 1915, vice-president of the Rich- 
mond Club, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

EARL L. SCOFIELD holds an important position with the Standard Oil 
Company of California, as assistant superintendent of the white oil and fil- 
tering plant. He also held the position of superintendent of the asphalt de- 
partment for some time. There is great credit due him for having obtained 
his present position, as he enjoys in full measure the confidence and respect 
of his fellow-men. Mr. Scofield was born in Alameda, California, August 5, 
1890. He is a son of D. G. Scofield, formerly identified with the Standard Oil 
Company of California as president. Earl Scofield acquired his education in 



BIOGRAPHICAL 451 

the schools of Alameda. Completing his education he became associated with 
the Standard Oil Company. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. 
On March 2, 1911, Mr. Scofield was united in marriage to Miss Marian Troy, 
a native of Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Scofield are popular in social 
circles in the Bay cities. They have one daughter, Helen Frances, born Au- 
gust II, 1912. 

MANUEL LAWRENCE FERNANDEZ, M. D., who is actively engaged in 
the practice of medicine and surgery at Pinole, is recognized as an able rep- 
resentative of the profession, who ever keeps in touch with the most ad- 
vanced methods and discoveries. His birth occurred July 13, 1876, his par- 
ents being Bernando and Carlota (Cuadra) Fernandez. Bernando Fernandez, 
one of Pinole's most prominent citizens, a capitalist and real-estate owner, 
was born in Portugal, November 15, 1828. He was reared in his native land, 
but at thirteen years of age he went to Brazil and remained in that country 
for some time, coming to New York in 1850. In 1853 he came to California, 
landing in San Francisco. He mined for some months, after which he sailed 
on the bay for some time. Subsequently he became owner of a schooner and 
carried provisions and freight from Pinole to San Francisco. He sold his 
boat and bought another, which he operated until 1856. Later he engaged in 
the mercantile business in Pinole until 1894. He also engaged in the hay and 
grain business on a very large scale and erected several large warehouses. 
As his financial ability increased he invested in real estate in Pinole, San 
Francisco, Oakland, and Martinez; in the latter town the Martinez Hotel 
was a part of his possessions. In 1894 he erected his handsome residence in 
Pinole. Mr. Fernandez was united in marriage to Carlota Cuadra, and they 
became the parents of six children. Fraternally, Mr. Fernandez was a Mason, 
a member of the Martinez lodge, and a Royal Arch Mason. He died on May 
12, 1912. Doctor Manuel Lawrence Fernandez was educated in the public 
schools and in Berkeley Gymnasium, graduating in 1895. He then entered the 
University of California, where he took up medicine and graduated from 
that department in 1900, receiving the degree of M. D. Subsequently he re- 
moved to New York, where he entered the Willard Parker Hospital, and 
from 1901 to 1903 he studied in Berlin and Vienna. Returning to San Fran- 
cisco, he became identified as a practicing physician, remaining here until 
the fire in 1906, when he removed to Pinole, where he has since resided and 
practiced his profession. Doctor Fernandez has served as health officer for 
the town of Pinole for some time, and is a member of the State Lunacy 
Commission from Contra Costa County. He is a member of the County and 
State Medical Society, and also a member of the Society for Prevention of 
Tuberculosis. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. Politically, he 
is a Republican. Doctor Fernandez holds the position as physician and sur- 
geon for the Hercules Powder Company, and also for the Union Oil Com- 
pany. He holds to high ideals, not only in professional service, but in citizen- 



452 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



ship and in social relations, and his sterling manhood has gained for him 
the warm and enduring regard of all with whom he has come in contact. 

HARRY DAY CHAPMAN, city engineer of Richmond, California, is num- 
bered among the most reliable and worthy representatives in his chosen pro- 
fession on the Pacific Coast. He has risen to a position of trust and respon- 
sibility with various great corporations in the West, and has a detailed 
knowledge of every branch of this business. This reputation has made him a 
man on whom his associates can always depend. Mr. Chapman was born in 
St. Louis, Missouri, on October 20, 1868. His education was acquired in the 
public schools and the Washington University of St. Louis, where he studied 
civil engineering. After finishing his schooling he entered the railway survey 
work for some years, and then was identified with the city engineer's office 
at Sioux City, Iowa, for a period of five years. Removing to Seattle, he be- 
came identified with the city engineer's office under R. H. Thompson, for a 
period of two years. He was then connected with the power-house construc- 
tion on one of the Stone-Webster properties on the Puyallup River. Then, in 
.1905, he was placed in charge by the Abbott Kinney Company in building 
"Venice of America," at Venice, California. He afterward removed to St. 
Croix, Wisconsin, and took charge of the engineering work for Stone & 
Webster, and had charge of the construction. He then went to Ocean Park, 
California, and for two years acted as city engineer, after which he built the 
pumping plant of Redondo Beach, California. He was appointed city en- 
gineer of Richmond in 1910, which position he now holds, and he is widely 
recognized as one of the foremost engineers of the coast. Politically, he is a 
Democrat. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge, being a Royal 
Arch Mason and a member of the chapter. He is an associate member of the 
American Society of Civil Engineers. On January 23, 1906, Mr. Chapman was 
united in marriage to Miss Edith De Luna, a native of New York State. 

EDWIN A. MAJORS, all his life a resident of Contra Costa County, is 
known as one of the community representatives and honored citizens, and to- 
day holds the important position of president in the First National Bank of 
Martinez. Mr. Majors was born in San Ramon, April 19, 1869, a son of David 
F. and Sarah (Dorman) Majors. His father was a native of Kentucky, and 
his mother of Ohio. His father was one of the prominent agriculturists in 
his locality, locating here in 1852, and was considered a man of broad and 
liberal mind. The parents of Mr. Majors have both passed away some years 
ago. Edwin A. Majors acquired his early schooling in the public schools of 
Contra Costa County, after which he attended the Oakland High School. 
For a time he followed ranching on the home place, and later became iden- 
tified with the mercantile interests in Concord. Here he continued for three 
years, and in 1907 was one of the organizers of the First National Bank of 
Martinez, and has acted as president of the bank since it started, and in this 



BIOGRAPHICAL 453 

position his excellent business and executive ability has been called forth. 
The fact that the bank has had a remarkable growth, the development of 
the institution is largely due to him. The bank has steadily prospered, being 
today one of the strong, safe and conservative institutions of Contra Costa 
County, Politically, Mr. Majors is affiliated with the Republican party. His 
father was supervisor at the time of his death, and Edwin A. was appointed 
to fill out the unexpired term. He was then elected and served some years. 
He was elected a member of the board of town trustees on April 10, 1916. 
Mr. Majors was united in marriage to Miss Alice Brawand, also a native of 
Contra Costa County, and a daughter of one of the county's respected pi- 
oneer citizens. To this union was born a daughter, Margaret. 

JOHN NICHOLL.— The death of John Nicholl occurred on July 28, 1914, 
and he was buried from his home, 1721 Fourth Avenue, Oakland. The rniany 
floral pieces and flowers sent as tributes of love and respect by individuals 
and societies served as a slight indication of the place he held in the estima- 
tion of the people of the Bay counties, of the State, and of the United States, 
His demise brought to a close a long, useful, and honorable life, the influence 
of which was felt as a factor in the pioneer development of Contra Costa 
County. He was numbered among the most representative men of Califor- 
nia, and among the men who played an important part in the history of the 
State. Mr. Nicholl passed away at the age of ninety-two years, after a life of 
ceaseless activity, philanthropy, and enterprise. He was one of the few keen- 
minded men among the early pioneers who discerned the possibilities of the 
land. At the time when prospectors were digging for gold he was developing 
farms, building schools, and laying the foundation for a fortune. John Nicholl 
was born on November 19, 1822, in the north of Ireland, and was of Scotch 
ancestry. He emigrated to New York in 1849, and there married Agnes Booth 
(Hodge), a playmate of his childhood, who came to this country a year after 
her fiance. The two started to California for a wedding trip across the Isth- 
mus of Panama with a party of thirteen, when the railroad ran only half- 
way. The bride rode a mule and the groom walked. When they arrived in 
San Francisco Mr. Nicholl paid one dollar to cross the Bay to San Antonio, 
now Oakland. He went from there to San Leandro, where for a time he 
worked a grain ranch on shares. So successful was this venture that in four 
years he was able to extend his holdings and acquire two hundred acres of 
the San Pablo Rancho, now Richmond. At that period a stage-coach ran out 
to the rancho. Prophesying that a town would some day cover the territory, 
he purchased more land. Here he made his home and started the first school, 
hauling the lumber in his own wagons. He became the chief owner of San 
Pablo Rancho, which for thirty-five years was involved in litigation, and in 
1900, when the title was cleared, he started the town of Point Richmond, 
now^ known as Richmond. Mr. Nicholl became a close friend of Claus Spreck- 
els and together the two pioneers engaged in great and successful business 



454 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



enterprises. He extended his holdings over other parts of the State, securing 
a vast tract from a Spanish grant in Ventura County, and introduced the 
culture of lima beans, an industry which has grown to great agricultural im- 
portance in Ventura. Business was not the vital interest of Mr. Nicholl's 
life. He was devoted to his home, an ardent churchman, and a ceaseless 
worker in the cause of education. He desired the advancement of the com- 
munity of civic enthusiasm and welfare. He was one of the founders of the 
First Presbyterian Church, erected in Oakland, and an elder in the branch 
church of San Pablo for forty years. He erected the first brick structure on 
Washington Street in Oakland. His charitable work was extensive, though 
never mentioned by himself, but many testified to his kindness and fine char- 
acter. After the death of his wife, which occurred May 13, 1895, Mr. NichoU made 
his home with his daughters in Oakland. There were nine in the family: 
Mrs. J. C. Weir, of Vacaville, John H. Nicholl, Miss Mary E. Nicholl, Miss 
Hester H. Nicholl, and Mrs. Lulu G. Wilson, of Oakland, Mrs. Agnes B. 
Clark, William B. Nicholl, of Ventura, Joseph L. Nicholl, of Richmond, and 
Mrs. Ruth A. Wells, of Ventura, deceased. 

EDWARD J. BURG. — The name of Edward J. Burg has come to be regard- 
ed as synonymous with development and progress in Richmond, California. 
Being a native of Sweden, where he was born on January 12, 1868, he ac- 
quired the foundation of his early education in the public schools of that 
country. At the age of twelve he came to America, locating in Illinois, where 
he resided for a year. In 1881 he moved to San Francisco, remaining there a 
short time and later located in Contra Costa County, where he secured em- 
ployment on a farm and continued his studies in the public schools. He at- 
tended the California Military Academy in Oakland, graduating with the 
class of 'S7. Mr. Burg later identified himself with the newspapers on the Pa- 
cific Coast in various capacities. He traveled extensively, and was in Chile, 
South America, during the revolution between President Balmaceda and the 
navy. For a considerable time he resided in Central America. In 1899 he went 
to Seattle, joining in the gold rush to Alaska in that year. In 1900 he moved 
to Berkeley, California. In 1901 the Burg brothers (Edward J. and Carl H., 
who came to California in 1888) began operations in Richmond. Five years 
later the Bay Cities Land Company was organized and incorporated in 1912, 
the firm of Burg Brothers being incorporated in 1910. Throughout the vari- 
ous stages of the growth and development of the company the energy and 
broad business policies of Edward J. Burg are apparent. It was due largely 
to his untiring efforts that the pastures of Richmond were converted into 
city lots, covered with homes and business structures, which increased in 
value to such a remarkable degree in the short space of fifteen years. To give 
some idea of the success attending his efforts it is only necessary to state 
that the real-estate corporations, of which he is the secretary and manager, 
are the third largest taxpayers in the city of Richmond, paying more in 



BIOGRAPHICAL 455 

taxes than the Santa Fe Railroad Company or the Pullman Palace Car Com- 
pany. In addition, Mr. Burg is largely interested in the Bay Cities Land 
Company and Burg Brothers Lumber & Building Company. He is one of 
America's typical self-made men, having planned and successfully developed 
the many enterprises with which he has been identified entirely through his 
own efforts and resource. The firm of Burg Brothers presented to the city 
of Richmond thirty-four city lots located in the Nicholl Macdonald Avenue 
Civic Center tract, valued at seventy-five thousand dollars. This property, 
consisting of two half blocks and a sum of twenty-five thousand dollars in 
cash, was accepted by the citizens of Richmond at a special election held 
October 15, 1915, for the purpose of selecting and locating a permanent civic 
center. The Richmond city hall, now completed, is the first building to grace 
the Civic Center, while other municipal buildings will soon follow as they 
are required. This splendid property and munificent gift by the Burg Brothers 
to the city of Richmond will remain a lasting monument to their enterprise 
and generous public-spiritedness. On November 30, 1893, Edward J. Burg 
was united in marriage to Miss Beatrice M. Ramus, of San Diego, Califor- 
nia. Of this union have been born nine children, five sons and four daugh- 
ters. Mr. Burg is prominent in fraternal circles, being a member in high 
standing of the Masonic Lodge, a Knight Templar and Shriner. He is also a 
member of the Woodmen of the World and the Benevolent and Protective 
Order of Elks. He is one of the founders of the Richmond Industrial Com- 
mission, and is affiliated with a number of other civic organizations. 

CARL HENRY BURG was born in Sweden, January 19, 1866, and to him 
belongs the title of "self-made man." He is the son of John August and Au- 
gusta Burg, and was left an orphan at the age of fourteen, his mother hav- 
ing passed away in 1873 and his father in 1880. His early education was se- 
cured in the public schools of his native land. Starting out in life without 
experience or resources, he has through his own energy risen to be one of 
the leading real-estate men of the Bay counties, and is classed among the 
"pioneer builders" of Richmond. Emigrating to America in 1881, he located 
in Kansas, where he remained for a period of nine years, during the first two 
of which he engaged in farming and later in business along mercantile lines. 
In 1888 he moved to San Francisco, where he accepted a position as clerk in 
a dry-goods house, which he held for three years, at the same time continu- 
ing his studies at a business college. In 1892, going to Central America, he 
turned his attention to the development of a coffee plantation, securing near- 
ly five hundred acres of land for this purpose. Disposing of his holdings he 
returned to the United States, settling in San Francisco, where he became 
actively engaged in the real-estate business. He was identified with the first 
subdivision in Richmond during its early days, and has since continued to 
be one of the leading operators in this section. The firm of Burg Brothers, 
consisting of Carl H. and Edward J. Burg, is among the largest and most 



456 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

important around the bay section, Burg Brothers having the distinction of 
being the largest real-estate operators in Richmond. In May, 1910, they 
placed upon the market the Central Richmond and Pullman Town - Site 
tracts, and by January, 191 1, 1150 lots had been sold. The following March 
the Spaulding Richmond Pullman Town-site was placed upon the market, 
and by March i, 1912, contracts for the sale of 1475 lots (practically the en- 
tire tract) had been issued, being the highest real-estate record ever made in 
Richmond. In 1912 they also developed and sold the Grand View Terrace 
tract, and in November of the same year purchased and put on the market 
the Nicholl Macdonald Avenue Civic Center tract, consisting of one hundred 
and ten acres, paying $725,000 for this property or nearly seven thousand 
dollars an acre. This is the highest price ever paid in the United States for a 
piece of undeveloped property of its size for subdivision purposes. Burg 
Brothers sold one fifty-foot corner in this tract for fifteen thousand dollars; 
fifteen years previously this land was offered for sale at seventy dollars per 
acre, while the fifty-foot corner is now valued at $23,000. Mr. Burg was 
among those who first recognized Richmond's wonderful opportunities, and, 
taking advantage of the same, made rapid progress in a business way, and 
his enterprising spirit brought him into important relations. He was one of 
the charter members of the Richmond Industrial Commission and is a mem- 
ber of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce. He was twice married, the first 
marriage being to Emily Brugge, and there was born of this union one 
daughter, Thelma A. Burg, April 4, 1900, The second marriage was to Mrs. 
Clara B. Gardner, July 14, 1913. Fraternally, Mr. Burg is a Mason, being a 
Knight Templar of California Commandery No. i and a Shriner. He is a 
member of the Woodmen of the World and the National Union. He is also 
a member of the Union League and Masonic clubs of San Francisco. 

BERNARD SCHAPIRO.— This history presents the record of no other cit- 
izen more thoroughly infused with the spirit of public progress than the sub- 
ject of this review, Bernard Schapiro, and Contra Costa County numbers 
him among its representative citizens. Mr. Schapiro's life record may well 
serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be accomplished 
when determination and energy lead the way. Starting out in life with no 
capital, he has gradually advanced until now he is numbered among the lar- 
gest real-estate operators in the Bay counties. Mr. Schapiro was born in 
Prussia, January 11, 1865, and is a son of Elias and Hannah Schapiro. He at- 
tended the public schools of his native land, and at the age of twenty-one he 
crossed the Atlantic to the New World, settling first at Philadelphia, where 
he found employment in a clock factory. He became identified with other 
pursuits and traveled throughout the Eastern States, after which he decided 
to cast his lot with the Golden West, and in 1892 he settled in San Francisco. 
For a time he was engaged in running an optical store, and in 1901 he worked 
for McEwen Brothers' real-estate firm, as salesman for one year. Mr. Schapi- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 457 

ro then embarked in the real-estate business for himself, and one of his first 
ventures along this line was to act as selling agent for some of the officials 
of the Standard Oil Company in selling a tract of land they had placed on 
the market. He was one of the first operators in Richmond, and since 1901 
Mr. Schapiro has subdivided and sold over two thousand acres in and around 
Richmond; besides this he has subdivided five thousand acres in the Sacra- 
mento Valley and five thousand in the San Joaquin Valley. These different 
colonies are in a very prosperous condition. He is connected fraternally with 
the Elks and the Knights of Pythias. Politically, Mr. Schapiro has always 
been a Republican. He was nominated from the fifth district of San Fran- 
cisco as alternate to the Republican national convention held at Chicago in 
June, 1916. Mr. Schapiro was united in marriage November 3, 1895, to Miss 
Birdie Stern, a native of New York State. To this union have been born — 
Esmond, born October 19, 1896; Zara, born May 25, 1900; Dorothea, born Oc- 
tober 4, 1905. All three children were born in San Francisco, California. Mr. 
Schapiro is identified as a stockholder in the bank at Pinole, the First Na- 
tional Bank of Richmond, the Merchants Bank of Richmond, and the Cali- 
fornia Trust Company of San Francisco. He is a life member of the Press 
Club of San Francisco, and holds membership in the Commonwealth Club 
of San Francisco, and is a charter member of the Pioneer Club of Richmond, 
California. Mr. Schapiro deserves great credit for what he has accomplished 
in life, for he started out in the business world a poor boy, and by his ener- 
gy, enterprise, and ambition has steadily worked his way upward to success. 
Mr. Schapiro is a resident of San Francisco, and maintains spacious offices 
in the Phelan Building. He has proved himself trustworthy and faithful in 
business, progressive in citizenship, and loyal to the claims of friendship, 
and he has thus commanded and kept the esteem and high regard of all who 
are associated with him. 

JOSEPH FRANKLIN BROOKS, a highly respected and representative cit- 
izen of Richmond, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the ca- 
pacity of assistant superintendent of the Stan^dard Oil Company of Califor- 
nia. Mr. Brooks was born at New Bedford, Mass., March 18, 1872. He 
acquired his education in the public schools of Oakland, where his parents 
removed when he was ten years of age. He graduated from the high school, 
after which he became identified with the Arctic Oil Works of San Francis- 
co. He continued with this corporation for ten years, as assistant superinten- 
dent, and when it was taken over by the Standard Oil Company he removed 
to Richmond. This was in 1902. Mr. Brooks has filled many positions of re- 
sponsibility and trust with his company. That he was capable and reliable is 
indicated by his rapid promotion, until he now holds the office of assistant 
superintendent. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republican party. He is 
a member of the board of trustees of the Richmond Public Library, member 
of the board of education, and an ex-member of the board of health. Fra- 



458 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E., and a valued member of the 
Woodmen of the World. He is the president and one of the organizers of the 
Pioneer Club, Mr. Brooks was united in marriage July 14, 1897, to Miss Cath- 
erine S. Hambright. Their one son, Franklin, was born March 14, 1900. Mr. 
Brooks is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Richmond, and a 
stockholder in the B. Schapiro Real Estate Company. He is also one of the 
organizers of the Richmond Building & Loan Association. The parents of 
Mr. Brooks were Joseph Franklin and Elizabeth (Baxter) Brooks. His father 
was a sea-captain and followed this vocation for many years. He died and 
was buried in Alaska. Both parents were natives of Massachusetts, and come 
from French ancestry. The subject of this sketch is a man of broad culture, 
progressive, has high ideals, and is well and favorably known in the business 
and social life of the Bay cities. 

ERNEST NAVELLIER, a man of genial personality and keen business 
ability, is numbered among the representative and enterprising business men 
of Contra Costa County. His birth occurred February i, 1864, ^^^ he is a 
native of France. He acquired his education in the schools of his native land, 
graduating at the age of fifteen. His first work after completing his educa- 
tion, at the age of sixteen, was to teach school. He continued teaching for 
two years, when he came to America, and located in San Francisco. Here he 
engaged in the laundry business, in which he continued for ten years. Later 
he removed to Seattle, where he became identified with the laundry bus- 
iness for three years. In 1892 he removed to Stege, where he operated the 
first laundry established in Richmond. About this time Mr. Navellier pur- 
chased five acres on the hillside near Stege, where he erected an imposing 
home. He disposed of his interests in the laundry and became identified with 
the California Cap Company for nine years, in the capacity of shipping clerk 
and foreman. He purchased land on San Pablo Avenue, and was the founder 
of Lafayette Park, which is considered one of the finest picnic grounds on 
the bay. He has contributed in no small degree to the growth and success 
of Richmond as a manufacturing center. His most recent success has been 
in the establishing of a factory for the manufacture of rustic furniture and 
art ware, which products have been sold in large lots all over the United 
States. Politically, Mr. Navellier is affiliated with the Republican party, but 
has never aspired to public office further than to act on the local school 
board for three years, and on the sanitary commission. He has been instru- 
mental in establishing two schools in the Stege district. Fraternally, he is a 
member of the Eagles lodge and Foresters of America. On December 28, 
1889, he was united in marriage to Josephine Pontacq, a native of France. To 
this union have been born five children — Victor, at present shipping clerk 
for the California Cap Company; Lucy, now postmistress at Stege; Louis 
and Ida, residing at home; and Mary, who died at the age of six years. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 459 

EDWARD C. HOFFMAN holds the important position of superintendent 
of the Metropolitan Match Factory, at Stege, Contra Costa County. A spirit 
of enterprise and progress has actuated him in all that he has done through 
life, and success has attended his well-directed efforts. Mr. Hoffman was 
born at Badelster, kingdom of Saxony, Germany, on February 5, 1865. Here 
he received his early education, and in 1888 he came to America, locating in 
San Francisco. He was employed as a machinist at the Union Iron Works, 
and had the distinction of working on the battle-ship "Charleston," in 1889, 
remaining here for two years. He then became identified with the Metropoli- 
tan Match Company, San Francisco, in 1891, where he has since remained. 
Mr. Hoffman has, owing to his executive ability, been promoted until now 
he holds the position as superintendent of the Stege factory. He is a mem- 
ber of the high-school trustees, and has served on the Stege board of edu- 
cation. He is a member of Hermann's Sons. On April 25, 1891, Mr. Hoff- 
man was united in marriage to Miss Emilie Wacker, a native of Germany. 
To this union have been born three children — Alma Emilie, wife of Roy Dub- 
bers, an engineer in the employ of the United Railroads of San Francisco; 
Edward Adolph, a student at the University of California; Walter, a student 
attending high school. The family are members of the Presbyterian church 
of Stege. 

JOSEPH T. BRENEMAN, M. D.~The history of Contra Costa County 
would be incomplete and unsatisfactory were there failure to make promi- 
nent reference to Doctor Joseph T. Breneman, who has been actively en- 
gaged in practice as a physician and surgeon in Contra Costa County since 
the early '90s, and he is an able and representative member of the medical 
profession. Doctor Breneman was born in Hancock County, Ohio, January 
23, 1849. He acquired his education in the public schools, the academy at 
New Middletown, Ohio, and the University of Iowa, graduating from the 
medical department in 1879. He began practice in Audubon, Iowa, where he 
remained for some years. Removing to Wellington, Kansas, he practiced 
until 1890, when he removed to California, located in Oakland, and practiced 
two years. He then went to Walnut Creek, where he acted as county health 
officer. He then took up his profession in Martinez, where he remained for 
fifteen years. While a resident of the county seat he acted as surgeon for the 
Mountain Copper Company for five years. He owned and operated a private 
hospital in Martinez. The Doctor has always enjoyed a large practice, which 
is proof of his skill and ability in the line of his chosen vocation. In 1911 he 
removed to Stege, where he has since resided. Doctor Breneman was one of 
the founders of the County Medical Society and acted as its first president. 
For years he was identified with the California State and American medical 
associations. He has filled all chairs in the I. O. O. F. Politically, he is a 
Democrat. On May 14, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Fannie I. 
Humphry. To this union have been born Fay, a teacher in the Fairmont 



46o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

School at Stege, and a graduate of the Lowell High School and the Univer- 
sity of California; Hazel, a graduate of the Alhambra High School at Mar- 
tinez and the State Normal school at San Jose, at present a teacher in the 
Stege public school; George, a graduate of the Martinez High School, at 
present in business in Martinez; Eullaia, wife of W. M. Staley, residing in 
Oregon; Flint and Frances, residing at home. Joseph Clayton, son of John 
R, Breneman, now deceased, also made his home with the Doctor. Doctor 
Breneman was reared on a farm, and his record is that of a self-made man. 
He has won distinction as an inventor, and patented the first hay elevator, 
under United States Patent No. 6,100,044. He has also invented many surgi- 
cal instruments, and has a patent pending for a combined harvester. 

JULES TOUSSAINT, one of the men of Contra Costa County who may be 
termed progressive, is the subject of this sketch. He is regarded reliable and 
foresighted, and he is a self-made man. He was born in Belgium, August 8, 
1874. He received some schooling in his native land, and at the age of ten 
years he came with his parents to America, and located in Texas. His father 
was a farmer, and after attending school for a time in Texas, Jules assisted 
on the farm for a period of three years. His parents removed to San Fran- 
cisco, and Jules, determined to gain a better education, attended the San 
Francisco schools. He then learned the painting trade and followed this vo- 
cation for a period of six years, after which he became engaged in a candy 
factory, where he remained for ten years. After the big fire he became asso- 
ciated with the Ramona Candy Company, of West Berkeley, where he re- 
mained for two years. His ambition and enterprise led him to Stege Junc- 
tion, where he engaged in the grocery business, where he has since resided 
and carried on a profitable business. Politically, Mr. Toussaint is a Republi- 
can. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Eagles lodge of Richmond. He was 
united in marriage on October 15, 1899, to Miss Juliet Alphonse, a native of 
Oregon. Three children have blessed this union — Jules, born July 21, 1900; 
Lucile, born September, 1902; Ruth, born March 6, 1910. Mrs. Toussaint has 
shown a great deal of business progressiveness, and much of her husband's 
business success has been due to her energy. 

SIMON DEASEY, creditably filling the position as manager of the Pacific 
Porcelain Ware Company at Richmond, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, 
on November 26, 1864. Following the completion of a public school educa- 
tion, he entered the pottery business in his native town, and has been con- 
nected with that kind of work since he was seventeen years of age. Mr. 
Deasey devotes all of his time and attention to the conduct of this concern, 
and, thoroughly understanding the business principles and detail, has met 
with gratifying success in his new field at Richmond. He was identified with 
the largest concerns in Trenton until he came to California, with the excep- 
tion of eighteen months that he resided in Canada. In April, 1911, he took 



BIOGRAPHICAL 461 

charge of the Pacific Porcelain Ware Company's plant, and has since filled 
this important position with gratifying success. Mr. Deasey is a member of 
the Moose lodge of Richmond. He was united in marriage to Miss Clarinda 
Bailey, a native of Staffordshire, England, October 14, 1885. To this union 
one son, Harold, was born in Trenton, New Jersey, on April 15, 1891. Mr. 
Deasey holds office in and is a director of the Building & Loan Association 
of Richmond. 

ARCHIBALD H. CAMPBELL, a highly respected and representative citi- 
zen of Contra Costa County, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him 
in the capacity of superintendent of the California Cap Company, at Stege. 
His birth occurred in Oakland, California, on November 20, 1882. He acquired 
his education in the Oakland public schools, after which he attended the 
California School of Mechanical Arts, graduating from the chemical depart- 
ment. He became identified with the sugar factory at Oxnard for a time, and 
later removed to Stege, where he became associated with the present con- 
cern, which he is representing as superintendent and chemist. His next pro- 
motion was to take charge of the plant as superintendent. In this connection 
he has proven a valuable and efficient representative of the corporation. On 
July 7, 1906, Mr. Campbell was joined in wedlock to Miss Mae Watrous, 
daughter of C. L. and Betsy Watrous. To this union have been born two 
children — Archibald H., Jr., born August ii, 1907, and Cheryl Beth, born Au- 
gust 15, 1911. Fraternally, Mr. Campbell is identified with the Masons, being 
connected with the organization as a member of McKinley lodge of Rich- 
mond and the Royal Arch degrees. He also belongs to the Eastern Star, and 
is active in the ranks of the B. P. O. E. Politically, he is a member of the 
Republican party. 

FRED HARTWICK, a successful and enterprising citizen of Richmond, 
acts as manager for the Enterprise Brewing Company. His birth occurred in 
San Francisco on January 16, 1885. He was educated in the public schools, 
and at an early age he became identified with the Enterprise Brewing Com- 
pany, in the shipping department. Mr. Hartwick is a man of many sterling 
traits of character, reliable in business and progressive in citizenship. His 
company transferred him to Richmond on February 19, 1912, where he was 
placed in charge, and he still assumes the management of the Richmond 
business. Mr. Hartwick is a member of the Masons, Elks, Eagles, and the 
Hermann's Sons. He was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Seibert, of San 
Francisco, and their one son, Frederick, was born in San Francisco, March 
26, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Hartwick have gained the good-will and esteem of all 
who have been in any way associated with them, either in a business or social 
way. 

JOHN KOCH. — One of the men who have acquired success and is num- 
bered among the representative men of Stege is John Koch. He was born in 



462 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

southern Germany, on December 25, 1862. He acquired his education in his 
native land and served two years in the army. He had a desire to see the 
New World, and came to America via Honolulu, locating in San Francisco. 
He went to work for the Stauffer Chemical Company and the Judson Dy- 
namite & Powder Company, where he remained for seven years. He then be- 
came identified with the Pacific Guano & Fertilizer Company, and owing to 
his ability has been promoted from foreman to superintendent of the plant 
at Richmond. He is a member of Hermann's Sons. On September 12, 1885, he 
was united in marriage to Anna Erdel, a native of Germany. To this union 
have been born six children — Adam, Lena, Anna, Emma, William, and 
George. Mr. Koch is interested in a company that owns about five thousand 
acres of land in Siskiyou County. At a future date they contemplate putting 
down wells and engaging in the stock business. 

JOHN M. BEST. — Numbered among the successful and enterprising busi- 
ness men of Richmond is John M. Best, now the manager, secretary, and 
treasurer of the Home Laundry Company. His laundry experience extends 
over many years. The institution with which he is associated is one of the 
best in the Bay cities. Mr, Best was born on January 22, 1874, ^^ Shasta 
County, California, where he acquired his early education. He is the son of 
John C. Best, a native of Missouri, who came west and located in Carson 
City, Nevada. Here he operated a store and hotel for many years during the 
pioneer days. He then removed to Shasta County. The subject of this sketch 
removed to Seattle, where he engaged in the laundry business, and continued 
in that calling for eighteen years. Here he mastered the laundry business in 
principle and detail, and his knowledge, combined with the spirit of enter- 
prise which actuates him in all that he does, has brought him success. Mr. 
Best came to Richmond in August, 1911, and immediately started the Home 
Laundry Company, and was one of the prime movers in this organization. 
Politically, Mr. Best is affiliated with the Republican party, but has never 
aspired to office. Fraternally, he is a member of the B. P. O. E. and the 
Woodmen of the World. He was united in marriage to Miss Ethel A. Nellie, 
of Seattle, Washington, October 16, 1897. To this union have been born 
Myrtle, Mildred, Jack, and Roy. 

JAMES DEMINGS, who enjoys recognition as one of the leading and en- 
terprising business men of Richmond, has won merited success as one of the 
proprietors of the Richmond Feed & Grain Company, the largest concern of 
its kind in Contra Costa County. His birth occurred in San Francisco, Janu- 
ary 15, 1874. He was the son of Peter and Barbara (Melville) Demings. His 
father was of English descent and his mother came from Scotland. Mr, Dem- 
ings' father came to America and settled in San Francisco in 1865, and con- 
trolled a line of boats around the Bay district. The subject of this sketch ac- 
quired his education in the public and high schools of San Francisco, after 



BIOGRAPHICAL 463 

which he took a business course. Following his schooling he became asso- 
ciated with Eppinger & Company, where he learned the milling business, 
continuing with this firm for a period of fourteen years at Crockett, Califor- 
nia. In June, 191 1, Mr. Demings, with George Prytz, erected the present 
commodious and up-to-date flouring and feed mill at Richmond, which has a 
capacity of one hundred tons a day. The warehouse, which is located direct- 
ly aside of the Santa Fe tracks, gives them the best of transportation facili- 
ties. Here they conduct a wholesale and retail business. Mr. Demings is affil- 
iated with the B. P. O. E., of Richmond, and is a member of the Native Sons, 
of Crockett. He was united in marriage on November 17, 1896, to Miss Mary 
Hunter", of Crockett, a Native Daughter. To this union have been born two 
children, James, born in 1898, and Richard, born in 1900. 

EDWARD E. GROW. — Occupying a position of distinction among the rep- 
resentative men of Contra Costa County is Edward E. Grow. He has been a 
resident of Richmond since 1907, and followed surveying as a vocation. Dur- 
ing the long period of his residence here he has taken an active interest in all 
community affairs. Mr. Grow was born in Iowa, on December 18, 1871. He 
acquired his education in the public schools. At an early age he removed 
with his parents to California. Here he continued his higher studies by at- 
tending Stanford University, graduating from the English department in 
1898. In 1900 he removed to Pinole, and in 1907 took up his residence in 
Richmond, where he has since remained. Politically, Mr. Grow is affiliated 
with the Republican party. While a resident of Pinole he served on the local 
school board of Pinole and Hercules, as president of the board. Mr. Grow is 
a Spanish War veteran. He was a member of the First California Infantry, 
and was sent to the Philippines, where he served his country in a creditable 
manner. He received an honorable discharge in Manila in September, 1899. 
On April 8, 1901, he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline E. Zehringer, 
of Philadelphia. To this union have been born- two children — Blanch Anna, 
born in 1902, and Edward E., born in 1907. Mr. Grow had charge of all con- 
struction work for the Du Pont Powder Company while a resident of Pinole. 
He is active in politics at the proper time, but concentrates his attention up- 
on his chosen profession, of which he is today a leader in this field. 

PAUL GLASER, deceased, was one of the men who was prominently known 
as a building contractor in Richmond. He was successfully engaged in bus- 
iness in this city since 1903. He was a native of Indiana, and was born on 
July 4, 1874, ^rid died February 12, 1915. He was the son of George and Mary 
F. (Coon) Glaser, both natives of Germanj'^, who came to America in 1865, 
and settled in Indiana. Mr. Glaser's father is still a resident of his chosen 
State, while the mother died in 1896. There were nine children born in the 
parents' family, six of whom are still living. The subject of this sketch was 
reared on a farm and received his education in the public schools of Indiana. 



464 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

He came to California in April, 1898, and started to learn the carpenter's 
trade in Crockett. Remaining here some time, he finally removed to Rich- 
mond in 1903, and at once started contracting and erected many of the finest 
homes and business places in the town. He met with gratifying success as a 
general contractor. That his ability was widely recognized is attested by the 
fact that many important contracts have been awarded him. Among some of 
the most substantial buildings he has erected are the Nystrom School and 
No. 2 Fire Department Building, Mr. Glaser was a Republican. On October 
28, 1895, he was united in marriage to Miss Celina Leloy, a native of Sacra- 
mento. Their son, George Leloy, was born February 19, 1910. 

JOHN BALRA, one of the representative ranchers and respected citizens of 
Contra Costa County, resides near Rust. His birth occurred on March 23, 
1869, and he is a native of Portugal. Mr. Balra acquired his education in the 
old country. At the age of seventeen he left his native land and came to 
America. He came to Contra Costa County, where he found employment at 
ranching, which he followed seven years. He then rented a place and started 
a dairy in Alameda County. Later he took on more land and continued to 
operate the dairy and two ranches for eight years. Mr. Balra came to this 
country thoroughly qualified by training and understood his work. His father, 
Joseph Balra, was a farmer and stockman in the old country. After continu- 
ing successfully for eight years in his business, Mr. Balra bought twenty-five 
acres in the Stege district. Later he acquired more land, until he now has 
fifty-two acres of the choicest dairy land in Contra Costa County, adjoining 
the city of Berkeley, In connection with the operation of his own ranches, 
he rents two ranches on San Pablo Creek and one in the Moraga Valley. Be- 
sides the dairy business he carries on general farming. In politics Mr. Balra 
is Republican, but he has never aspired to office. He is recognized as one of 
the foremost men in the community. As a stockman, he has reached a credit- 
able place in the business world. He is a stockholder in the Jersey Milk & 
Butter Company of Oakland, in the West Berkeley Bank, in the Portuguese 
& American Bank, and holds stock in various other concerns. Fraternally, 
he is a member of the B, P, O. E. and the Eagle Lodge of Berkeley. He is 
also a member of the Druids, U. P. E. C, and I. D. E. S. He has made a suc- 
cess in business circles that places him in the front rank of progressive and 
able business men. 

JAMES F. ARMO. — One of the popular citizens of Stege who has merited 
success along his chosen field is James F. Armo, superintendent of the plant 
of Wheeler, Reynolds & Stauffer, He was born in New York City on Febru- 
ary I, 1876. He received his education in the public schools of New York. He 
laid aside his books and joined the gold-seekers who went to Alaska, where 
he remained three years. At the age of twenty-four he located in San Fran- 
cisco, where he was employed in bridge-construction work. In 1903 he re- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 465 

moved to Contra Costa County and became identified with the Stauflfer 
Chemical Company, and later took the position as superintendent of the 
Wheeler, Reynolds & Stauffer plant. Mr. Armo is broad-minded, liberal in 
thought, and honorable in purpose. He has attained success and gained re- 
sults to the company with which he has identified himself. In politics Mr. 
Armo is a Republican. On May 4, 1903, he was united in happy wedlock to 
Miss Mae E. Park, a Native Daughter. Three children have blessed this 
union: James F., Jr., Charles S., and Mary Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Armo 
have a host of friends, and are held in the highest esteem by all who know 
them. 

HARRY FREMONT SPENCER is one of the public-spirited and progres- 
sive business men of Contra Costa County, his activities extending to many 
fields. He was born in York County, Maine, on June 13, 1856. He was edu- 
cated in New Hampshire, where his parents removed when he was young. 
His father, William M. Spencer, was a native of New Hampshire, born in the 
White Mountains, and died at Salmon Falls in 1861. He was largely identi- 
fied with the manufacturing interests of his native State. Mr. Spencer's 
mother was also a native of New Hampshire, and died in 1908. The subject 
of this sketch, after receiving his education, entered the cotton mills at Law- 
rence, Massachusetts, with which he was identified until he came to Califor- 
nia, in 1877. Locating at Bryant Station in Contra Costa County, he took up 
ranching, and became connected with Major Bryant, of San Francisco, re- 
maining here for one year. He then removed to Livermore, California, where 
he was united in marriage to Miss May Smith, on November 29, 1883. To this 
union the children are Raymond, boVn December 7, 1887, and Guy Fremont, 
born April 7, 1896. Mrs. Spencer's father was one of the representative men 
of Alameda County, and took a great interest in everything that was for the 
betterment of the country. He was active in moving the county seat to San 
Leandro, and later to Oakland. Mr. Spencer resided in Pacheco for a period 
of six years, and was identified with the California & Hawaiian Sugar Refin- 
ing Company as superintendent. In 1910 he removed to Walnut Creek, and in 
191 1 he started a lumber-yard and erected warehouses for hay and grain. 
Later S. L. Ayer became associated with him. In March, 1915, he took over 
the interests of Mr. Ayer, and the firm's name now is Spencer & Ayer, Inc. 
Mr. Spencer was elected president of the Business Men's Association of Wal- 
nut Creek in May, 1913, and re-elected in May, 1914, and when the town was 
incorporated, on May 18, 1914, he was elected mayor for a four-year term. 
Mr. Spencer only follows the fairest methods. He has discharged all obliga- 
tions laid upon him by the people of his locality, and has fulfilled expecta- 
tions which the people had in him when they entrusted their interests to his 
care. Mr. Spencer is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity, being a member 
and a past master of Alamo Lodge No. 122. He is a past worthy patron of 
Alamo Chapter, order of Eastern Star. His son Raymond is a thirty-second- 



466 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

degree Mason, and a graduate of Cornell University, and has been identified 
with the Government as superintendent of the Government building at San- 
ta Barbara, California. 

CHARLES B. DESMOND has shown himself able and faithful in the dis- 
charge of his duties with the Standard Oil Company of Richmond, and has 
won the confidence and esteem of his employers and fellow-men. Mr. Des- 
mond was born on March 27, 1868, in Syracuse, New York, where he was 
reared and educated in the public schools of that city. Laying aside his 
books, he started out in life and, like many young men, followed various 
occupations. He has been largely identified with the live-stock business 
throughout the East. He became associated with the Standard Oil Company 
at Whiting, Indiana, where he had charge of the company's horses. In 1901 
he was transferred to the Richmond plant, where he has since resided. Mr. 
Desmond has charge of the road construction on the Standard's vast 
grounds, and personally has charge of all the teams. He has made many 
friends in Richmond, and takes an active interest in the Knights of Pythias 
lodge, of which he is a member in Richmond. 

FRANK A. MARSHALL, residing in Walnut Creek, and filling the position 
of assistant cashier of the San Ramon Bank, was born April 13, 1892. He is 
the son of Joseph D. and Rosie (Duarte) Marshall. His father is a native of 
Portugal, while his mother is a native of California. The subject of this re- 
view received his education in the public schools of Contra Costa County, and 
the business college of Oakland, graduating with high honors from the latter 
in 1907. After completing his education he entered the grocery store of J. L. 
Silveria & Co., where he was identified as clerk for a period of three years. 
He then took up his course of studies in the business college, after which he 
entered a branch bank of the San Ramon Bank, of Walnut Creek, in 1907, as 
bookkeeper. This position of trust he held to the satisfaction of the bank. He 
was then transferred to the main bank at Walnut Creek for a period of six 
months as assistant, when he was again returned to the branch bank and 
promoted to assistant cashier and manager. By this time Mr. Marshall had 
mastered the details of banking. His knowledge, combined with the spirit of 
enterprise which actuates him in all that he does, has brought him a great 
degree of success and a high place in the business circles of his locality. Mr. 
Marshall only remained here for a time and was given the position as as- 
sistant cashier in the Walnut Creek Bank. Fraternally, he is a member of 
the I. D. E. S., and U. P. E. C, and the Independent Order of Foresters. He 
was united in marriage to Miss Leonora Fereira, a native of San Ramon, 
June 8, 1913. To this union has been born Ella Mae, March 30, 1914. 

JOSEPH MUNDAY, a worthy native son, is among the younger men prom- 
inent in the welfare and upbuilding of Richmond. He is deeply interested in 



BIOGRAPHICAL 467 

all that pertains to the welfare of the city, and his support can ever be enlist- 
ed in any good cause. Mr. Munday was born in Oakland on December, 22, 
1876. He is a son of Frank Munday, who has the distinction of making the 
first dynamite caps on the Pacific Coast, and has been associated with the 
various powder companies in California for many years. He is now in his 
eighty-sixth year. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public 
schools of Berkeley. He associated himself with the Standard Oil Company 
and had charge of the barrel-filling department for five years. During this 
time he was active in various movements of interest to Richmond. He has 
served in the police department, and his ability has always been recognized. 
Mr. Munday was united in marriage to Miss Katie Bennett, a native of 
Georgetown, El Dorado County, California. To this union have been born 
two children, Cly and Louis. Mr. Munday has served as foreman for the Cal- 
ifornia & Hawaiian Sugar Refining Company and for the Spreckels Sugar 
Refinery. Both positions he has held with unfaltering energy, and has given 
satisfaction. He is a member of the Native Sons. 

HENRY F. ELLERHORST.— After an eventful period of close identifica- 
tion with mining interests in the various Western States and Alaska, Henry 
F. Ellerhorst came to Contra Costa County and located in Pinole, where he 
is now retired and living with his brother Christopher, one of the representa- 
tive and highly respected citizens of his locality. Mr. Ellerhorst was born 
near Bremen, Germany, in 1838. Here he received his education, and in 1853 
he came to this country and located in Charleston, South Carolina, where he 
engaged with his brother, who was in the mercantile business, and operated 
a grist mill, remaining three years. He then removed to San Francisco, 
where another brother resided, and operated a grocery store. He was em- 
ployed until 1858, when he went to Washoe, Nevada, then the county seat of 
Washoe County, and where all the business was transacted for the Corn- 
stock mines. He worked in the mines in Virginia City and operated a store 
for four years. He then went to Montana and worked at mining until 1872, 
when he removed to San Francisco. Later he went to Alaska and did placer 
mining for two years. He sold out and returned to San Francisco for a time, 
and later went to Dakota and Idaho, where he remained for about forty- 
three years. In 1912 he came to Pinole. Politically, Mr. Ellerhorst is a Demo- 
crat. 

EUGENE A. MARSHALL, prominently connected with the business inter- 
ests of Richmond, has been a resident of California all his life. He was born 
at Vacaville on July 9, 1862. His father, Robert C. Marshall, was born in 
Ohio, and in 1852 came to California. His wife was Sarah McCartney, native 
of Indiana. The parents of Mr. Marshall came to the coast in the pioneer 
days, locating in Solano County, where the father followed the army of gold- 
seekers, after which he took up ranching and later read law. He passed away 



468 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

in 1893, and his wife died in 1873. The subject of this sketch acquired his edu- 
cation in the public schools, after which he learned the painter's trade. This 
vocation he followed all his life. In 1902 he removed to Richmond, where he 
has since resided. During the long period of his residence in this city he has 
attained a wide reputation as a broad-minded, liberal, and public-spirited 
citizen, and his strict integrity has built up a lucrative business. In politics, 
Mr. Marshall is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. Fraternally, 
he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of the World and of the Royal 
Neighbors. He was united in marriage to Miss Mabel Mayfield, a native of 
Colusa, California, April 22, 1887. Their one son, Carroll, was born in Wil- 
lows, California, February 5, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are numbered 
among the highly esteemed citizens of Richmond. 

ALFRED L. BOVO. — The success which marks the career of Alfred L. 
Bovo has been the result of his own unaided efforts, the concentration of 
his energies and ability in the one time that meant for him a competence for 
the future. He is well known in banking circles in eastern Contra Costa 
County, and has been identified with the Bank of Byron since its organiza- 
tion, which was in May, 191 1. Mr. Bovo was born in San Francisco, Decem- 
ber 23, 1886, son of Gabriel and Marie (Silveria) Bovo. His father died in 
1902. Alfred acquired his education in private schools and at St. Ignatius Col- 
lege, San Francisco, after which he studied abroad and took a course in the 
College of Languages and Commerce at Turin. He remained in the old coun- 
try nearly three years, becoming an accomplished linguist, speaking no less 
than five different languages. Returning to San Francisco, he became identi- 
fied with the Central Trust Company, now the Anglo-California Trust Com- 
pany. He remained with this institution for over six years. Mr. Bovo started 
with this bank as messenger, and by his ability he rose to the position of re- 
ceiving teller. He then associated himself with the Nevada County Bank, of 
Nevada City, California, where he remained as acting cashier for nearly 
three years, and served as interpreter in the Superior Court of Nevada Coun- 
ty. He removed to Tracy on April i, 1911, and accepted a position as acting 
cashier of the Bank of Tracy for a brief time. When the new bank building 
at Byron was completed Mr. Bovo was made cashier of that institution, later 
becoming manager, and has filled this position to the satisfaction of all con- 
cerned. His political affiliations are with the Republican party, but he has 
never aspired to public office. He has served three years as a member and 
clerk of the Byron school board. On April 6, 1906, Mr. Bovo was united in 
marriage to Miss Grace L. Marron, a native of San Rafael, and a daughter 
of Frank M. Marron, one of the best-known and respected financial men of 
the Bay section. Mr. Marron's death occurred in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Bovo 
have one daughter, Pauline, born in Berkeley, July 25, 1907. Mrs. Bovo is 
past president of Donner Parlor, Native Daughters, of Byron, while her hus- 
band is secretary and treasurer of the Byron Improvement Club. Mr. Bovo 



BIOGRAPHICAL 469 

also organized the Byron Chamber of Commerce, which has its rooms in 
connection with the Byron bank. He is recognized as one of Byron's sub- 
stantial, esteemed, and respected citizens. 

HENRY JOHNSTON.— Energy, ability, and well-directed ambition, guided 
and controlled by sound judgment, have constituted the foundation upon 
which Henry Johnston of Giant has built his success. These qualities have 
brought him success. He was born in Brant County, Ontario, December 27, 
1835. He came west and located in San Francisco in October, 1872. Here he 
remained for some time. In 1873 he purchased from Treadwell & Co. two 
hundred and thirty-five acres of land in Contra Costa County. He was at this 
time a traveling man for various concerns on the coast. While holding his 
position he was far-sighted enough to buy this ranch and have something for 
a rainy day. Two railroads cut through Mr. Johnston's farm, so that he only 
has one hundred and eighty-five acres left. He was married in i860 toGaletsa 
F. Page, a native of Canada. To this union nine children have been born, five 
of whom are now living. In politics Mr. Johnston is a Republican. He has 
acted as road-master for a number of years. He has rented his ranch, and is 
now retired. Mr. Johnston is a public-spirited man and gives his support to 
any movement that will promote the best interests of Contra Costa County. 

CHAUNCEY M. BREWER, serving in a creditable manner as manager 
for the Western States Gas & Electric Company, has demonstrated his abil- 
ity in public service along this line. His record entitles him pre-eminently to 
the distinctive title of one of the "builders" of Richmond. Mr. Brewer was 
born at Marshall, Michigan, August 5, 1882. He received his education in the 
public schools of his native town, after which he attended the law depart- 
ment of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He then entered the em- 
ploy of the Commonwealth Power Company, at Jackson, Michigan, where 
he remained one year. Removing to Grand Rapids, Michigan, he became as- 
sociated with the Grand Rapids & Muskegon Power Company. Later he oc- 
cupied a better position with the H. M. Byllesby Company, of Chicago, and 
was sent to Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he assumed the business manage- 
ment of his company. Recognizing Mr. Brewer's substantial qualities, his 
company then transferred him to Minnesota, where he had the business man- 
agement, and later he was again transferred to Everett, Washington, and 
Sandpoint, Idaho, where he filled positions of importance. In 1912 Mr. Brew- 
er removed to Richmond. Fraternally, he is identified with the B. P. O. E. 
lodge, and in politics he is a Republican, and stands at all times for advance- 
ment in every relation of life, and is a man well liked and esteemed. 

FREDERICK E. BECK, prominently connected with the Pullman works at 
Richmond as general manager, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, May 29, 
1875. He acquired his education in the public schools. Completing his studies, 



470 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



he entered the employ of the PuHman Company at Wilmington as office boy. 
He later entered the mechanical department, and was soon transferred to 
Chicago, where he was identified as mechanical inspector. He was trans- 
ferred to Wilmington again as assistant manager of mill-shops for one year, 
when he was again sent by his company to Denver in 1902, where he filled 
the position of assistant manager for five months, and was there made man- 
ager of the Denver shops in 1903. Mr. Beck remained in Denver until 1910, 
when he was transferred to Richmond, where he took the management of 
the Pullman plant. He has achieved remarkable success in the various posi- 
tions he has taken with his company. He is well known in Masonic circles, 
being a member of the blue lodge. Shrine, and is a Knight Templar. He was 
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth H. Day, a native of Pennsylvania, in 
September, 1903. 

MICHAEL J. CURTAIN. — One of the most prominent, able, and represen- 
tative agriculturists in Contra Costa County is Michael J. Curtain. He was 
born on July i, 1866, in Ireland, where he received his schooling. In June, 
1887, he came to America, and in October, 1904, located in Contra Costa 
County. Here he turned his attention to the dairy business, and has always 
followed this occupation. He is an expert stockman, and during his early 
days in the county he had as high as two hundred head of cattle. On Au- 
gust I, 1914, he disposed of his dairy interests and retired. Mr. Curtain has 
gained the friendly regard and good-will of all with whom he has been as- 
sociated through life, either in business or social relations, and he is well 
entitled to a foremost place among the respected men of the county. Politi- 
cally, he is a Democrat. In 1906 Mr. Curtain was united in marriage to Eliza- 
beth Elkson. 

JAMES T. NARBETT. — Among the men whose enterprise and ability have 
been active factors in promoting the remarkable growth and prosperity of 
the city of Richmond is numbered James T. Narbett. He is a native of that 
far-ofif country, India, he being born aboard a ship at Rangoon, British Bur- 
mah, August 31, 1874. He is the son of William and Eleanor Narbett. At the 
age of two years he was brought to America, his parents locating in Wash- 
ington. His father conducted a summer resort at Fort Canby, remaining 
there for some time. He later removed to San Francisco, and then to Oak' 
land, where he followed contracting. In 1879 the parents went to Benicia. In 
1880 they removed to near Crockett, this being the year before the laying out 
of the town. Here in the public schools James T. Narbett received his pre- 
liminary education, afterward attending the Vander Naillen School of En- 
gineering. In 1896 Mr, Narbett took up contracting. In 1898 he spent one year 
in Alaska. Returning to Crockett, he entered school again, and graduated In 
1900. In 1904 he removed to Chico, Butte County, and was awarded the con- 
tract for the addition to the State Normal School. He erected the Colonial 
Hotel at Biggs, and the Shotover Inn at Hamilton City, in Glenn County, 



BIOGRAPHICAL 471 

Mr. Narbett also had many large contracts in various parts of the State. On 
January i, 1907, he discontinued contracting and took up special studies from 
eminent architects. He shortly passed the State examination, becoming a 
licensed architect. He designed the Masonic temple at Oroville and Chico 
and many other large buildings in Chico, Orland, Willows, Dunsmuir, Sacra- 
mento, and other parts of California. In 1910 he opened offices in Sacramento 
in connection with his Chico office. In 1911 he removed to Richmond, where 
he established offices in the La Selle Building, which was one of the first de- 
signed by Mr. Narbett after locating in this city. He designed the Elks' 
temple, which cost seventy thousand dollars, the new city hall, the fire 
houses, and many other handsome buildings in Richmond. In politics Mr. 
Narbett is a Progressive, and previous to 1913 he cast his lot with the Re- 
publican party. He is prominently identified with various fraternal and social 
organizations, being a member of Masonic blue lodge, Royal Arch chapter, 
Commandery, Aahmes Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Oakland, and the 
Eastern Star. He is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, I. O. O. F. of 
Crockett, and the Eagles' lodge of Richmond. He was united in marriage to 
Miss Gussie McDowell, of Alturas, California, February 2, 1902. Their one 
son, Keith Oliver, was born November 5, 1905. Mrs. Narbett is a progressive 
member of the Richmond Improvement Club, Eastern Star, and at one time 
held the office of State Secretary of the Christian Endeavor Society. 

RICHARD F. PAASCH, well known in Contra Costa County, who is now 
serving as captain of the Point Richmond fire department, was born in Ger- 
many on August I, 1874. He acquired his education in Berkeley, where his 
parents settled on their arrival from their native land. Mr. Paasch's father, 
Theodore Paasch, is a tailor by trade, having learned his business in the old 
country, where he followed this vocation for many years. On his arrival in 
Berkeley he engaged in business and continued for some years before retir- 
ing from active life. He is now in his eighty-eighth year. Mr. Paasch's mother 
died in March, 1912. There were ten children in the parents' family. After 
finishing his schooling, Richard F. Paasch learned the blacksmithing trade, 
and continued in this line faithfully for fifteen years. He served in this capa- 
city with the Standard Oil Company for some time, and on May i, 1912, he 
was appointed by the city council as chief of the volunteer fire department. 
He served in this capacity in a most able manner for eight years, and when 
the paid department was inaugurated he was appointed captain, which office 
he still holds. Politically, Mr. Paasch is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a 
charter member of the Knights of Pythias of Richmond, and a member of 
the military rank. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. of Richmond. On 
September 5, 1900, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Burcher, of Berke- 
ley, a native daughter. To this union there have been three children — Walter 
T., born February 23, 1902; Richard Albert, born February 20, 1904; Robert 
W., born May 19, 1905. The family attend the Methodist church. 



472 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



CHARLES G. BACON. — One of the commanding figures of the business 
life of Contra Costa County is Charles G. Bacon, who is at the head of the 
Richmond Abstract & Title Company. His career is one of distinct useful- 
ness and a benefit to the community in which he lives. He has many im- 
portant interests that under his leadership have grown and expanded. He 
was born at Columbia, Tuolumne County, California, March 25, 1868, son of 
Pyam Bartlett and Marion Helen (Bowne) Bacon. Mr. Bacon's father was a 
native of Ohio, and his mother was from Michigan. In 1853 they came to 
California and settled in Tuolumne County, where they always resided. The 
mother passed away in 1899, The father is living a retired life at the old 
homestead, one of the most influential and representative citizens of his lo- 
cality. He has always taken a keen interest in political matters, serving his 
county in the State Assembly, and for many years was postmaster in Colum- 
bia. He had the distinction of installing the first hydraulic mining machinery 
in that county. The subject of this review acquired his education in the pub- 
lic schools of his county. Laying aside his books, he became identified with 
ranching and the wood business, and this he followed for five years. For the 
past twenty years he has been engaged in searching records. In 1907 he re- 
moved to Martinez, where he opened an abstract office. Here he soon had an 
extensive business. In this connection he became familiar with conditions 
and the need of a similar business in Richmond, and in 1914 the Richmond 
Abstract & Title Company erected its present commodious brick building on 
Twenty-second Avenue, where he is now located. Mr. Bacon has displayed 
extraordinary executive ability, and has succeeded in building up one of the 
most successful systems in the State for handling his work. In this connec- 
tion the Richmond company has installed the only photographic plant in 
California. Careful of his own interests in Martinez, he has always consid- 
ered those of others who are identified with him in the company. The Rich- 
mond Abstract & Title Company is composed of the leading real-estate men, 
bankers, and attorneys. Politically, Mr. Bacon is registered as a Republican, 
and has served four years as city trustee of Martinez. Fraternally, he is a 
member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond and the I. O. O. F. of Sonora. On 
June 22, 1908, he was united in marriage to Miss Irene Hall, a daughter of 
Josiah and Sarah Hall, of Sonora, Tuolumne County. Her father was en- 
gaged in the mercantile business, and at one time owned many of the valu- 
able mines in Tuolumne County. Mrs. Bacon is actively engaged in the club 
and social circles, and is a member of the Women's Improvement Club of 
Martinez. She is also an active member of the Episcopal church. 

CHARLES JOHNSON. — Prominent among the representative men of 
Richmond, and one whose ability is recognized as a contractor, is Charles 
Johnson. He is a native of Sweden, and was born March 28, 1875, He received 
his education in his native land. Laying aside his books, he started to learn 
the carpenter's trade, which he followed for some time. He saw the possibil- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 473 

ities of the New World, and came to this country in 1896, at the age of twen- 
ty-one, locating in Chicago. There for one year he followed his trade, and 
then removed to Cadillac, Michigan. Later he heard the call to the West, 
and went to Washington, locating in Spokane County, where for four years 
he was connected with the Great Northern Railroad in its car department. 
In March, 1902, he removed to Richmond, where he readily found employ- 
ment with the Santa Fe Railroad, remaining with that company eight years. 
In the spring of 1911 he began contracting with gratifying success. Political- 
ly, Mr. Johnson is a Progressive. He was united in marriage to Miss Nanei 
C. Westman, a native of Michigan, December 2, 1903. Their one child. Axel 
Fairchild, was born September 18, 1907. Fraternally, Mr. Johnson is affiliated 
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and his wife is an active mem- 
ber in the sister lodge, the Rebekahs. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have made many 
friends in Richmond and are popular in lodge work. 

INTHUS EMLEN MARSHALL, the present tax-collector and assessor of 
Richmond, is one of the well-known, popular, and representative men of this 
community. He was J^orn in Guernsey County, Ohio, July 5, 1848. His father 
came to California in 1852, during the gold excitement, and settled in El 
Dorado County. Here he followed gold mining, and in 1855 the mother and 
her two children, Florence (now deceased) and our subject, made the trip 
across the continent. In 1858 the family located in Solano County, where the 
father became interested in agricultural pursuits until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1894, the mother having died in 1874. In 1880 the subject of this 
sketch removed to Contra Costa County and settled in Martinez, where he 
filled the office of deputy assessor in an efficient manner for eight years. In 
1901 he moved to Richmond, where he became a prominent contractor, and 
in 1909 he was appointed tax-collector and assessor, which office he has since 
capably filled. Mr. Marshall was united in marriage in 1884 to Mary Bent, of 
Martinez. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge, being a mem- 
ber of the blue lodge and chapter. He is also a member of the Red Men and 
the W. O. W. Mr. Marshall has proved himself eminently well qualified to 
fill the office which he holds. His record is above reproach, and the long pe- 
riod of his residence in the county has been fruitful and of great good to the 
community in which he resides. 

HENRY L. PENRY has been actively and successfully identified with the 
business interests of Contra Costa County as a contractor, and he is today 
one of the leaders in his chosen field. Mr. Penry is a native son, and was born 
in Santa Barbara, November 15, 1872. He is a son of Henry Thomas Penry 
and Annie (Davis) Penry. His father was a native of Cleveland, Ohio, while 
his mother came from Pennsylvania. Mr. Penry's father was a brick con- 
tractor, and after Henry L. finished his education he took up this vocation 
under his father and thoroughly mastered the trade, and has followed it all 



474 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

his life. From 1898 to 1901 Mr. Penry resided in Washington and British Co- 
lumbia, where he followed his chosen trade. In 1903 he came to Richmond, 
and in 1904 he removed his family to this city, where he has since resided. 
He is public-spirited and readily endorses any public measure for the better- 
ment of Richmond and public generally. Politically, Mr. Penry is a Repub- 
lican. He was elected city councilman in May, 191 1, and is serving his fourth 
year in this capacity. Fraternally, he is a Mason and a member of McKinley 
lodge. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen. He was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Emily A. Blanchard, of Madera County, California, in Decem- 
ber, 1901. To this union there have been five children — Harry Roswell, born 
September 26, 1902; Erwin L., born April 8, 1904; Muriel Elizabeth, born No- 
vember 13, 1905; Kathleen Avis, born May 12, 1909; Ruth Emily, born Janu- 
ary 6, 1913. The family are members of the Christian church of Richmond. 

OTTO A. POULSEN. — Among the men who by reason of their personal 
integrity, ability, and business enterprise have come to be regarded as repre- 
sentative citizens and leading business men of Contra Costa County is num- 
bered Otto A. Poulsen, who has been engaged in Richmond since 1906, in the 
retail jewelry business. He was born in San Francisco on December 5, 1876, 
son of Hans C. and Johanna Poulsen. His father, a cabinetmaker, came to 
America in 1868. He located in various places in the East, and removed to 
California in the early '70s. He died in 1899. The mother still survives and 
makes her home with Otto A. There were six children in the parents* family. 
The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools. Lay- 
ing aside his books, he took up the trade of jeweler and silversmith, at which 
he became very proficient. He followed his trade for seven years, and then 
enlisted in the First Battalion, California Heavy Artillery. He was attached 
to Battery A, and was sent to the Philippines, where he served sixteen 
months. He was discharged in San Francisco in September, 1899. Following 
his army career, he became identified with a wholesale and retail jewelry 
house in San Francisco, where he remained for seven years. In 1906 he re- 
moved to Richmond and established a retail jewelry store at 703 Macdonald 
Avenue, and in 1911 he removed to his present commodious store. Success 
has steadily attended his well-directed labors since that time, and his bus- 
iness has expanded yearly, the entire credit for its rapid growth being di- 
rectly due to Mr. Poulsen's enterprise and progressive spirit. Fraternally, he 
is a member of the Masonic lodge of Richmond, the Royal Arch chapter, and 
Scottish Rite of Oakland. He is also a member of the B. P. O. E., the Red 
Men, the Native Sons, the Moose, and is an active member of the Shell- 
mound Rifle Club. In politics Mr. Poulsen is a Republican. In May, 1910, he 
was elected on the Richmond school board, taking office July i, 1910, and 
serving until July i, 1914. He was married to Miss Ottoline M. Williams, a 
native of San Leandro, July 14, 1907. To this union there have been four 
children — Alexander W., born May 17, 1908; Esther F., born March 14, 1910; 



BIOGRAPHICAL 475 

Stanley A., born December 30, 191 1; Clarence R., born June 28, 1914. Mrs. 
Poulsen is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Spanish-American War 
Veterans and of the Eastern Star. 

CHARLES F. DONNELLY is superintendent of the street-car system at 
Richmond, and is a railroad man of experience, who has won this position 
entirely on his own merits. He was born in Cairo, Illinois, July 15, 1874. He 
is a son of Leonidas and Mary Donnelly, both natives of Ohio. His father 
served in the Civil War from Ohio, was made prisoner and confined in Libby 
Prison, and died from its effects in 1876. His mother died in 1895. Mr. Don- 
nelly acquired his education in the public schools in the middle part of Ohio. 
After his school days he followed various occupations. In 1892 he came west 
and located in San Francisco, where he became identified with the Market- 
Street Railway, as gripman on the Valencia-Street line. He is a thoroughly 
able man, and knows all details of railroading from the ground up. His ex- 
ecutive force was soon recognized, and his managerial ability was largely the 
cause of his rapid advancement. He served as inspector in San Francisco for 
the United Railroads. He came to Richmond in the capacity of dispatcher, 
and was promoted to superintendent on January i, 1912, which oflSce he now 
holds. In the estimation of his superiors he stands high, and is popular with 
his associates and men who work under him. Mr. Donnelly was united in 
marriage in April, 1894, to Miss May H. Cain, a native of Maine. To this 
union was born Harold C. Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly enjoy an extensive ac- 
quaintance in Richmond and the Bay cities. Mrs. Donnelly is a member of 
the Pythian Sisters and the Richmond Club. Fraternally, Mr. Donnelly is a 
member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond. On April 8, 1915, he was elected 
dictator of the Richmond lodge of the Loyal Order of Moose. 

JOHN RICHARD NYSTROM.— The late John Richard Nystrom, who died 
on December 24, 1913, was for many years numbered among the prominent 
and valued citizens of Richmond, where he was regarded as a pioneer set- 
tler, his residence there dating from the year 1871. From that time on he was 
active in the real-estate business as a developer of several subdivisions and 
tracts, and took a leading part in public affairs, lending the weight of his in- 
fluence to all projects for the advancement and growth of the community. He 
was a native of Finland, his birth having occurred on August 24, 1848. His 
parents, John and Johanna (Kallis) Nystrom, died in their native country. 
In their family were eight children, of whom the subject of this review was 
the eldest. John Richard Nystrom acquired his very early education under 
the instruction of his mother, and later entirely by his own efforts in private 
study. When he was twenty-three years of age he emigrated to America, 
making a permanent location in California. Previous to this, however, he 
traveled over a large portion of the world, visiting the Land of the Midnight 
Sun, and then journeying far enough south to see the Southern Cross, Hav- 



476 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ing heard a great deal of the wonderful resources and matchless climate of 
California, he finally decided to locate in this State, and after his arrival was 
first employed in boating on the bay. He had been a sailor before the mast, 
and in his new work took charge of the vessel of his former captain, for 
whom he carried on a freighting business for nine years. In the meantime he 
had purchased seventy acres of land in what is now Richmond. After 
retiring from boating he farmed this tract until 1903, when he subdivided the 
property and sold it for building lots, retaining a piece for his own home. 
All of the land is within the corporate limits of Richmond. It is now fully de- 
veloped, and on it many houses are built. In addition to this, Mr. Nystrom 
had an interest in seven other subdivisions in Richmond, and did some im- 
portant work in the line of land development. He was a member of the 
Richmond Industrial Commission and a director of the Mechanics Bank of 
Richmond. In 1881 he was married to Miss Mary Griffins, a daughter of 
Owen and Kate (Evans) Griffins, both of whom have passed away, Mr. and 
Mrs. Nystrom became the parents of twelve children — Alfred, John, Edwin, 
Mary E., Mabel, Alice, William, Louise, Hazel, Edna, Raymond, and 
Richard. The last-named has passed away. Mr. Nystrom was a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, having become a Royal Arch Mason at Berkeley, and 
a Knight Templar at Oakland. He was a trustee in the Presbyterian church 
of Richmond. He gave his political allegiance to the Republican party, hav^ 
ing served for fifteen years as school director, and for a long period as a 
member of the city council, 

ROY LEMOIN. — One of the most able, progressive, and enterprising young 
men in public life in Contra Costa County is Roy Lemoin, of Richmond, 
now creditably serving as chief of the Richmond fire department. He was 
born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, July 30, 1876. He came from a family of 
fire-fighters. His father, Henry W. Lemoin, was a prominent factor in the 
Grand Rapids fire department, and has served as chief for thirty-seven years. 
He is still living in Grand Rapids, is an active member of the department, 
retaining his position of chief, and has the distinction of being one of the 
oldest volunteer members in the State. The subject of this sketch since hij» 
appointment as chief has discharged his important duties to the entire satis- 
faction of the people of Richmond. He received his education in the public 
schools of his native town. At an early age he learned the plumbing trade 
and later became identified with telephone work, having charge of cable con- 
struction work for some years. He then entered the fire-alarm service in 
Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he remained for nearly three years. In Oc- 
tober, 1905, he removed to Oakland, where he followed his trade as plumber 
for two years. He then became identified with the city of Oakland, in the city 
fire bureau, for nearly three years. Mr. Lemoin then accepted a position with 
the Gorham Engineering & Fire Apparatus Company, as salesman and dem- 
onstrator of motor fire apparatus. He resigned this position later to accept a 



BIOGRAPHICAL 477 

better one with the Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Company, the pioneer 
fire-alarm telegraph company of the world. During his stay with the latter 
company he acted as salesman and superintendent of construction, and on 
August II, 1913, sold to the city of Richmond its present fire-alarm system, 
for $28,500. Chief Lemoin took charge of the construction work, and had the 
system installed July i, 1914. Mr. Lemoin's record is that of a self-made man 
who has won recognition and success entirely by his own efforts and wisely 
directed energy. He was united in marriage to Miss Ethel H. Wells, of 
Grand Rapids, Michigan, June 28, 1898. Their children are Howard, born 
January, 1901 ; Wells, born October 20, 1904; Jack, born January 26, 1908. 
Fraternally, Chief Lemoin is a member of the B. P. O. E. and K. of P. of 
Richmond. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lemoin have an extensive acquaintance in the 
Bay cities. Mrs. Lemoin is a soloist of ability, and leads the choir at the 
Christian church at Berkeley. 

SAMUEL F. JENKINS, a highly respected and representative citizen of 
Richmond, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of 
postmaster of Richmond, having been appointed to that office on April 10, 
1910. His birth occurred February 4, 1873, at Elmira, New York. He acquired 
his education in the public and private schools of New Mexico and Kansas. 
He read law in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with R. W. D. Bryan, and was 
admitted to the bar in 1894. He removed to Earned, Kansas, where he prac- 
ticed his profession for two years, and in 1900 he located in Richmond, where 
he became prominently identified and followed contracting. In April, 1910, 
he was appointed postmaster. In July, 1912, the Point Richmond postoffice 
was consolidated with the Richmond office, and both offices are now under 
the supervision of Mr. Jenkins. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republi- 
can party. Fraternally, he belongs to the B. P. O. E. and the Modern Wood- 
men of America. Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage to Miss Daisie McCrea, 
of Ogden, Utah, September 12, 1894. To this union have been born two chil- 
dren, Merle and Stanley. Mr. Jenkins is a man of exemplary habits, strict in- 
tegrity, and strong personality, and is held in high esteem by all who know 
him. 

IRA RAYMOND VAUGHN was made city treasurer of Richmond on April 
I, 1913, and this important position he has held ever since, discharging his 
duties in a prompt, capable, and reliable manner. Previous to taking this of- 
fice he held a position of trust and responsibility for four years with the 
Standard Oil Company, in the auditing department. Mr. Vaughn was born 
in Eagleville, Modoc County, California, April 16, 1885. He acquired his edu- 
cation in the public schools, and attended high school in Santa Rosa, later 
taking a business course in Oakland. He then became identified with the 
Santa Fe Railroad at Richmond, and later went with the Standard Oil Com- 
pany. On July I, 1910, he was appointed city clerk, which office he filled to 



478 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

the credit of Richmond until April i, 1913, when he was made city treasurer. 
Politically, Mr. Vaughn is affiliated with the Democratic party. Fraternally, 
he is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, the Moose, and the Modern 
Woodmen of the World. He was united in marriage to Miss Mattie Eleanor 
Mitchell, of Tulare County, California, June 24, 1906. Mr. Vaughn has many 
friends in Richmond, by all of whom he is respected and highly esteemed. 
He stands for progress at all times, and seeks his own success and the city's 
advancement along lines of activity which will bear the closest investigation 
and scrutiny. 

BETHOLD SCHMIDT, engaged in the merchant tailoring business in 
Richmond, is a native of Germany, and since his residence in Richmond, 
dating from May, 1914, he has gained wide prominence in his chosen field. 
He was born at Weimar, Germany, March 26, 1876. He acquired his education 
in the old country, and at an early age he learned the ladies' and gentle- 
men's tailoring business. Mr. Schmidt has held responsible positions in the 
various tailoring establishments in France. He came to America in 1911 and 
located in Merced, California, where he remained for a time, and then re- 
turned to Germany, where he remained for three years. Again he came to 
this country and located in Richmond, where his establishment has advanced 
from an humble beginning to its present large proportions. Mr. Schmidt was 
married in Germany in 1905, to Miss Helen Legue, a native of Holland. To 
this union there have been three children — Anna, born August 8, 1906; Wolf- 
gang, born August 5, 1908; Lucy, born August i, 1911. Mr. Schmidt served 
for a period of two years in the German army. Since his residence in Rich- 
mond he has won a place among the substantial citizens of his community. 

ARTHUR C. FARIS. — Among the men who, by reason of their personal 
integrity, ability, and business enterprise, have come to be regarded as rep- 
resentative citizens is Arthur C. Faris, the present city clerk of Richmond. 
He is a native of Aurora, Nebraska, born August 29, 1878. His parents moved 
from Nebraska to southern Oregon in 1888. His father died when Arthur C. 
was a lad of thirteen years of age. His father was numbered among the 
highly esteemed men of Medford, Oregon, and held the office of city recorder 
for some years. The subject of this sketch at an early age entered the gro- 
cery store of Davis-Pottenger Company and acted as bookkeeper and clerk 
for two years. He then attended business college and removed to Fresno in 
1897, entering the grocery store of John C. Nourse as clerk. Later he went 
with the Hughes Laundry, of Fresno, and there he became connected with 
the Fresno fire department. He removed to Richmond in August, 1901, and 
was employed by the Santa Fe Railroad as brakeman. He was afterward 
promoted to freight conductor, and in 1908 again promoted to passenger 
conductor. In October he was injured by a piece of steel entering his eye, 
which impaired his sight. He was appointed city clerk on April i, 1913, which 



BIOGRAPHICAL 479 

position he has since held. Politically, Mr. Paris is a Republican. Fraternally, 
he is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. and the Moose lodge of Richmond. He 
was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Carpenter, formerly a teacher in the 
Fresno High School, September 26, 1906. To this union was born one daugh- 
ter, Elizabeth Maradean, December 22, 1913. Mr. and Mrs. Paris manifest at 
all times a public-spirited devotion to the general good of Richmond. 

JAMES A. McVITTIE, a man well known in Contra Costa County for his 
public spirit, his broad views, and his excellent business ability, is now acting 
in an efficient manner as city auditor of Richmond. He was born in Parkers- 
burg, West Virginia, February 5, 1885. He acquired his education in Hamil- 
ton, Ontario, in the public schools and business college of that city, gradu- 
ating from the latter in 1903. He removed to Richmond and became asso- 
ciated with the Standard Oil Company as clerk, and filled the position in a 
most efficient manner for seven years. On July i, 1910, Mr. McVittie was ap- 
pointed city auditor of Richmond, which office he has since filled. Fraternal- 
ly, he is affiliated with McKinley Lodge No. 374, F. & A. M., Twilight Lodge 
No. 119, I. O. O. F, of Richmond, Contra Costa Encampment No. 99, I. O. O. 
P., and Richmond Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E. Politically, he is a standard- 
bearer of the Republican party. Mr. McVittie's father, George McVittie, has 
been identified with the Standard Oil Company for many years, starting in 
Parkersburg, West Virginia, and has filled positions of trust and responsibil- 
ity all over the United States. The mother of our subject was Florence Mc- 
Vittie, a native of West Virginia. She passed away in Parkersburg in 1888. 

CHARLES R. BLAKE, M. D., in the practice of his profession, having spe- 
cialized to a great extent on the eye, ear, nose, and throat, is acknowledged 
today as one of the most skillful and successful practitioners in the Bay cit- 
ies. At the present time he is acting as health commissioner of Richmond, 
having been appointed by the citj'- council in 1907. He was born in Visalia, 
California, September 9, 1869. He acquired his education in the public schools 
and colleges of California. He attended the medical department of the Uni- 
versity of California, graduating with his class in 1891. Upon completing his 
course he immediately started to practice his profession, and in 1903 he re- 
moved to Richmond, California, where he has since resided. The Doctor is 
progressive in thought, as well as active, and believes in keeping abreast with 
the latest ideas and discoveries in his profession. Fraternally, he is affiliated 
with the Masonic lodge and has taken the Royal Arch degrees. He is also a 
member of the I. O. O. F., the B. P. O. E., and the Woodmen of the World. 
Socially, he is a member of the University of California Club. Politically, he 
believes in the doctrines of the Republican party. Doctor Blake was united 
in marriage to Miss Lillian M, Hoogs, of Oakland, California, in 1898. Their 
one son, Herbert, was born December 30, 1900. Doctor Blake has made many 
friends since coming to Richmond, and all admire him for his steadfastness 



48o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

of purpose, his determination, his industry, and his business and professional 
ability. 

ALFEUS ODELL. — In all the Bay cities no man is more conspicuous for 
progress and fair dealing, nor no man has done more for the development of 
the educational, religious, and commercial interests of Richmond, than has 
the subject of this sketch. Mr. Odell is a native of Thorntown, Indiana, 
where his birth occurred on February 7, 1836. He was educated in the Thorn- 
town Academy and Asbury University. After the completion of his educa- 
tion, he took up teaching with gratifying success, and followed this vocation 
most of his life. He came to San Pablo in 1898. In 1900 he removed to what 
is now Richmond, and established a residence in 1901. He has the distinction 
of teaching the first school in Richmond, which position he filled in a most 
satisfactory manner. He saw the possibilities of Richmond, and engaged in 
the real-estate business with his son. Mr. Odell was the first agitator in ref- 
erence to incorporating the town, and wrote and circulated the first petition, 
and led the fight before the Supervisors. He also wrote the petition for an- 
nexation, and fixed the boundaries of the city, which continued until the last 
annexation was made, in 1913. He was very active, and one of the first to ad- 
vocate the tunnel through the mountain for a municipal wharf. He gave a 
great deal of time and attention and called the first meeting to institute a 
Masonic lodge, and was one of the prime movers for the erection of the 
Methodist church, serving as its first Sunday-school superintendent. Frater- 
nally, Mr. Odell is a Mason, and a charter member of the Eastern Star. He 
was united in marriage to Miss M. Julia Archer, of Spencer, Indiana, Novem- 
ber 29, 1862. To this union have been born six children — Clarence A., an at- 
torney of Richmond; Lola, wife of C. Mackay, of Richmond (deceased); J. 
Winifred Stidhman, of Richmond; Stella W. Logan, of Salinas, California; 
and two who died in infancy. Mr. Odell is a man of energy, resource, and ca- 
pacity, and whether in business or social relations holds the good-will and 
confidence of all who are associated with him. 

VIRGIL AUGUSTUS PHILLIPS, inspector of the bureau of identification 
of Contra Costa County, residing in Richmond, is a man well qualified for 
the important position which he holds. When Mr. Phillips assumed his du- 
ties he took hold of the office with the firm resolution of keeping the detec- 
tive bureau up to a high standard of efficiency. During his administration 
many important and intricate cases have come under his supervision. He is a 
native of Boone County, Missouri, and was born on December 10, 1877. He 
acquired his education in the public schools of his native State. At an early 
age he became associated for some years with the Kansas City Southern and 
the Missouri Pacific railroads out of Kansas City. He removed to Richmond 
in 1906, where he became associated with the Standard Oil Company for a 
period of five years. In October, 1911, he was appointed on the Richmond 



BIOGRAPHICAL 481 

police force, and on July i, 1914, was promoted to inspector of the bureau of 
identification, which office he now holds. Mr, Phillips was united in marriage 
to Miss Lena La Force, a native of Missouri, March 8, 1907. She is of French 
ancestry and a descendant of one of the oldest families of Missouri. Their 
one son, Donald, was born January 31, 1910. Mr. Phillips is a member of Mc- 
Kinley Lodge, F. & A. M., of Richmond. His great-great-grandfather was 
one of the representative men of Missouri, and was one of the founders of 
the Missouri State University. 

JOHN H. GREGORY, of Richmond, was elected constable in 1910, and his 
labors in this connection have since been of incalculable benefit in the work 
of moral uplift in his locality. He was born in Nashville, Lee County, Iowa, 
May 9, 1850. He came to California with his parents overland with an ox- 
team, taking six months to make the journey. The family landed in lone, 
California, September 15, 1853. His father died in lone in 1883, and his 
mother still resides on the old homestead, and has reached the age of eighty- 
eight years. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the com- 
mon schools of Amador County. He followed harnesswork for one year, 
then took up carpenterwork, which he followed for nine years, and then 
worked four years at blacksmithing. He was identified with the lone Coal & 
Iron Company for fourteen years, and during that time had charge of 
twenty-two thousand sheep for his company. In 1902 he removed to Rich- 
mond and associated himself with the Standard Oil Company from June, 
1902, until June, 1906, at which time he was elected city marshal. He served 
in this office two years, and was re-elected and served one year up to the 
time the charter was established, when he was elected constable, which 
office he has held in a most gratifying manner. Mr. Gregory has achieved 
success in his official positions. Under him lawlessness in Richmond has 
been kept down. Politically, he is a Republican, but of late he is a non* 
partisan. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge of Richmond, 
the Eastern Star, the Knights of Pythias, the Pythian Sisters, the Macca- 
bees, Palm and Shell, the Eagles, the Odd Fellows, and the Knights of the 
Acerian Cross. Mr. Gregory has been identified with the Masons for forty 
years, and with the Odd Fellows for thirty-five years, and has held various 
offices in the different lodges of which he is a member. On June 10, 1874, he 
was united in marriage to Miss Mary Eleanor Kirby, a native daughter, of 
lone, California, who died November 10, 1914. Four children have been born 
to this union. 

ROBERT L. FERNALD, a highly respected and representative citizen of 
Richmond, ably discharges the duties devolving upon him in the capacity of 
city councilman, having been elected to that office in April, 1913, for a six- 
year term. He was born near Lafayette, Indiana, January 11, 1859, and was 
educated in Topeka, Kansas, where his parents removed in 1866. He gradu- 



482 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ated from the Topeka High School in 1875. Mr. Fernald learned the car- 
penter trade with his father, and later took up the marble-cutting trade. He 
engaged with his brothers, W. H. and C. H., in the marble business in To- 
peka, where he remained two years. He sold his interest and removed to 
New Mexico, where he remained one year. He then returned to Topeka and 
engaged in the marble business for himself for two years, and removed to 
Dodge City, Kansas, and engaged with the Santa Fe Railroad. He then went 
to Los Angeles for a time, but returned to Topeka, where he operated a 
grocery store for five years. This he sold and returned to Los Angeles and 
engaged in the grocery business there. Three years later Mr. Fernald was 
again employed by the Santa Fe Railroad, and was transferred to various 
places. In July, 1900, he came to Richmond as car foreman. He later went to 
Oakland in the planing-mill business for one year. Returning to Richmond, 
he was interested for five years with Tilden & Eakle. Owing to his health, 
he disposed of his interest and went to Los Angeles. Returning to Rich- 
mond, he has since been engaged in contracting. He served one year as 
street superintendent, and in April, 1913, was elected councilman. Mr. Fer- 
nald is a member of Richmond Lodge No. 13, K. of P., and has served as 
master of finance since the lodge started, eleven years ago. He is president 
of the Richmond K. of P. Hall Association, and a member of the Brother- 
hood of American Yeomen. He was married to Miss Eva Estella Wild, a 
native of New York State, March 14, 1883. Their two children are Grace, 
wife of B. C. Dailey, of Berkeley, born June 9, 1884, and Roy C, born No- 
vember 19, 1889, at present deputy assessor and tax-collector of Richmond, 
also worthy patron of the Eastern Star and holds, membership and office in 
McKinley Lodge, F. & A. M., of Richmond. 

JOHN ROTH, the efficient justice of the peace of Richmond, is popularly 
and widely known in Contra Costa County. The width of the continent sep- 
arates him from his birthplace, for he is a native of Pennsylvania, born De- 
cember 17, 1846. He attended the public schools of his native place, and 
when a mere boy became identified with the Western Union Telegraph 
Company, filling positions at various points in Pennsylvania and Ohio. He 
came west in 1865 and located near Cache Creek, Yolo County, California, 
where he became interested in agricultural pursuits. In 1901 he removed to 
Richmond, where he filled various positions of trust. He represented Tulare, 
Kern, and Inyo counties in the State legislature for one term. In 1906 he 
was elected justice of the peace, which office he has held ever since. In 
political matters Judge Roth is a staunch Democrat, and he has a well- 
earned reputation for unfailing good-nature, thus enjoying wide popularity. 
He is, moreover, regarded as one of the most substantial citizens of Contra 
Costa County, his record at all times being an honor and a credit to the peo- 
ple of Richmond that honored him with his present office. Judge Roth was 
united in marriage on January i, 1887, to Johanna A. Henry, a native of 



BIOGRAPHICAL 483 

New York State. To this union has been born five children, all living — 
George, who resides in Los Angeles, California; Ruby, wife of John Gal- 
braith, of Richmond, California; Elizabeth, wife of William Sutherland, re- 
siding at Brea, California; Barbara, who has been identified with the Me- 
chanics Bank of Richmond for over eight years; Walter, an electrician, of 
Richmond. Judge Roth is affiliated with the Masonic and the I. O. O. F. 
lodges of Richmond. 

WILLIAM LINDSEY. — Among the men whose enterprise and ability have 
been active factors in promoting the remarkable growth of Richmond is 
numbered William Lindsey. He was born in England, April 22, 1839. His 
father, Edward Lacklin Lindsey, was the owner and captain of the ship 
"Palmyra," and he had the distinction of carrying the first prisoners from 
England to Botany Bay, Australia. Mr. Lindsey's father came to America 
from England in his own ship, and located in San Francisco, where he en- 
gaged in the lumber and brick business. He was a well-known and represent 
tative business men of that city for many years, and died in 1852. The moth- 
er of Mr. Lindsey (Virginia) died in 1900. The subject of this sketch is the 
last of seven children. He was educated in San Francisco. In 1865 he entered 
the real-estate business in San Francisco, following this vocation for many 
years. Owing to poor health, he removed to Belmont, San Mateo County, 
where he remained for two years, and in 1899 engaged in the real-estate bus- 
iness in Richmond for a time. Later he was elected justice of the peace on 
an independent ticket, and was afterward appointed police judge, which of- 
fice he has had for three terms. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republi- 
can party, and in matters of citizenship he manifests a progressive and pub- 
lic-spirited interest. Mr. Lindsey was united in marriage to Augusta Anna 
Batchelor in 1867, and they became the parents of seven children, five of 
whom are now living. His wife died on September 6, 1913. 

WILLIAM F. RUST.— The life record of William F. Rust entitles him pre. 
eminently to the distinctive title of one of the "builders" of the town which 
bears his name, and he has contributed a notable share to the material pro* 
gress of Contra Costa County. He has been a resident of the county since 
1883, has been a substantial influence for the upbuilding of Rust, and pos- 
sesses the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. Mr. Rust was born in Ger- 
many, November 27, 1854. He acquired his schooling in the old country, and 
at a comparatively young age learned the blacksmithing trade in his native 
land. He followed this for some time, and in 1880 he migrated to America 
and located in Chicago, where he readily found employment at his trade. He 
remained in Chicago for one year. He then went to Wyoming for the United 
States Government, in the quartermaster's department. He remained in 
Wyoming for some time, and was transferred to Arizona, where he worked 
at his trade for the Government, remaining there one year. He then re- 



484 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

moved to California and located in San Francisco, following his trade for 
three years. His good business judgment prompted him to locate in Contra 
Costa County in 1883, where the town of Rust is now located. Here in 1889 
he established a blacksmith-shop, which he continued until 1901. He then 
disposed of his shop and erected the most imposing block in Rust, engaging 
in the hardware business. A post-office was established here and Mr. Rust 
was appointed the first post-master. He continued to operate the hardware 
store until January i, 1914, when he disposed of his interest and retired. 
Politically, Mr. Rust is a Republican, but has never aspired to public office. 
Fraternally, he has been affiliated with the Independent Order of United 
Workmen for twenty-six years. He is also a member of Hermann's Sons, 
and has been honored with the highest office in that order, grand president. 
In 1886 Mr. Rust was united in marriage to Lina Wagner, a native of Ger- 
many, and two children have blessed this union, William G., a plumber, and 
Herman, an electrician. Mrs. Rust passed away on June 13, 1914, in her fifty- 
sixth year. She was sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends won in the 
course of a long and useful life. Her funeral was largely attended, and among 
the many floral tributes laid upon the casket were some from those in hum- 
ble positions who had found in her a true and loving friend. She had always 
been active in the social and church work of the German faith. She was for 
many years a member of the sister lodge of Hermann's Sons. 

JAMES HOEY, one of the highly esteemed and respected citizens of Con- 
tra Costa County, engaged in the grocery business in Martinez for thirty- 
seven years. To him belongs the title of self-made man, for, starting out in 
life without experience or resources, he has through his own energies risen 
to be one of the leading business men of Martinez. He was born on March 
2, 1856, in Ireland. He received a limited education in the old country, and 
when a young man he came to America alone and went directly to Martinez, 
where his uncle, John Colman, was engaged in business. Here he remained 
in the employ of his uncle for five years. He then engaged in the grocery 
business and has remained in this business, with the exception of four years, 
when he went to San Francisco and took a position in the United States 
Mint under President Cleveland's administration. Politically, Mr. Hoey is a 
Democrat. He has always taken a deep interest in political affairs in county, 
State, and national matters. For years he has loyally upheld his party, and 
has taken up many arduous duties in its support. He has served as secretary 
of the county committee for twenty years, and has been a delegate and at- 
tended every county convention and many State conventions since he was 
old enough to vote, but has never aspired to political office. He is a member 
of the K. of C. and the Y. M. I. He was united in marriage on November 9, 
1881, to Mary Tormey. To this union have been born five children, two of 
whom died in infancy. Those living are Mary Agnes, a teacher in the Con- 
cord public school; Hilda Genevieve, a high-school teacher at Gustine, Mer- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 485 

ced County; and Villani Rosemond, an employee of the abstract office in 
Martinez. The family are members of the Catholic church. 

MICHAEL HENRY HURLEY, a representative and esteemed citizen of 
Martinez, has held the office of county recorder since 1906, and has made a 
most creditable record in that connection. He was born in Lowell, Massa- 
chusetts, September 29, 1868, son of Michael and Margaret Hurley. His 
father died in 1886, and his mother died in 1902. There were eleven children 
born of this union, only three of whom are now living — John, of Martinez; 
Rose, wife of F. A. Milliff, of Kern County; and Michael Henry, the subject 
of this sketch. He acquired his education in the public schools of Martinez, 
where his parents removed in 1878. Mr. Hurley, after finishing his education, 
learned the printer's trade. Later he became identified with various business 
firms of Martinez and Oakland, where he occupied positions of trust. He was 
elected to the office of public administrator in 1902, serving one term, dis- 
charging his duties in such a satisfactory and commendable manner that he 
was elected to fill the office of county recorder in 1906, which position he now 
holds. He also filled the office of town clerk from 1892 to 1907. He was united 
in marriage to Miss Flora Irene Morford, a native of California, December 
25, 1912. Fraternally he is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. of Vallejo and vari- 
ous other orders. 

REX LADELL BOYER, who is successfully engaged in the practice of 
law in Martinez, is a man of clear, logical mind. He was born in Walla Wal- 
la, Washington, August 5, 1889, and was educated in the public schools of 
Concord, California. He later took a business course in Oakland and studied 
law under J. E. Rodgers. On May i, 1912, he graduated from Kent Law 
School in San Francisco, and on the day of his graduation he was admitted 
to the bar. His father, Joel Jerome Boyer, is a native of Pennsylvania, and 
his mother was born in Washington. When Mr. Boyer was but five years of 
age his parents removed to Lafayette, where his father followed agricultural 
pursuits and engaged extensively in the chicken business. Mr. Boyer is affili- 
iated with the Republican party. He was appointed deputy sheriff under 
Sheriff R. R. Veale, and while in this office he started and is still connected 
with the criminal identification known as the "Bertillon System," which is 
being successfully used throughout the country. He had rriade a study of this 
system in the Oakland police department. In May, 1913, he opened law of- 
fices in the Gazette building, in Martinez, where he has since engaged in 
general practice. In all social, official, and professional relations he has held 
steadily to high ideals, and has the confidence and regard of all who know 
him. Mr. Boyer, during the extra sessions of the Superior Court, acts as 
official stenographer. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge of 
Martinez, also of the K. of P., and has served as chancellor of the Martinez 
lodge of this order. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World. 



486 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

JOHN J. HAUSER has been connected with the business interests of Mar- 
tinez since January, 1907. He is one of the best-known undertakers in the 
Bay cities, and conducts one of the best appointed establishments in Contra 
Costa County. He was born in Napa County, September 27, 1881, and is a 
son of John and Mary Hauser. His father is a native of Germany; his mother 
came from Switzerland. His parents came to America in 1875, locating in 
Napa County, where his father died when John J. was but one and a half 
years of age, and his mother passed away when he was fifteen. Early in life 
he started for himself and decided to learn the undertaking business. In this 
connection he became identified with many of the leading establishments in 
California. He has won a well-merited measure of prosperity and has gained 
recognition among the substantial men in Contra Costa County. Mr. Hauser 
worked three years in San Francisco for leading establishments, and subse- 
quently filled positions in San Jose, Fresno, Alameda, and other places. He 
has passed the rigid examinations that qualify one for this work. On Janu- 
ary I, 1907, he removed to Martinez and became chief deputy coroner under 
Doctor C. L. Abbott. This position he has since held. He is a member of 
the State Funeral Directors' Association and the San Joaquin Funeral Asso- 
ciation, which embraces Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties. 
In both associations Mr. Hauser has held and is now holding important of- 
fices. Politically, he is a Republican, and takes an active part in the affairs 
of that party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd Fellows, and holds the 
office of noble grand in Martinez lodge. He is treasurer of Martinez Aerie, 
F. O. E., a member of the Mt. Diablo Parlor, N. S. G. W., the Rebekah lodge 
of Alhambra, Martinez Council, I. D. E. S., the Moose of Martinez, Laurel 
Camp of Woodmen of the World, and Alameda Tent K. O. T. M. Mr. Hauser 
was united in marriage to Miss Mary Adeline Pope, a native of Vallejo, Oc- 
tober 12, 1904. To this union has been born one son, Paul Herbert, who died 
at the age of two years. Mrs, Hauser is also active in club and social work, 
being a member and past president of Ramona Parlor, N. D. G. W. She also 
holds office in the Women's Improvement Club, and is a trustee of the La- 
dies' Institute. 

JASPER HENRY WELLS.— One of the most valued and representative 
citizens of Martinez is Jasper Henry Wells, well known in official circles in 
Contra Costa County from his many years in continuous service as county 
clerk. He was born in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, January 27, 1871. He is 
the son of Philip and Margaret Wells. His father was a native of Kentucky, 
and his mother was from Illinois. There were six children born of this union 
— Eva, wife of C. A. Tarwater, of Concord; Lillie, of Concord; Myrtle, wife 
of John Sutton, of Berkeley; Ernest, who resides in Portland, Oregon; Sam- 
uel, of Martinez, who is deputy county clerk; and Jasper H., the subject of 
this sketch. He received his education in the public schools, after which heat- 
tended the San Francisco Business College, graduating from the latter in 



BIOGRAPHICAL 487 

1898. After the death of Mr. Wells' father, which occurred in 1890, Jasper 
managed the ranch in a capable manner for the next eight years. He then 
completed his business course and entered the county clerk's office in the ca- 
pacity of deputy under J. E. Rodgers, serving until November 21, 1908, w^hen 
he was appointed to fill the office of county clerk, owing to the resignation 
of Mr. Rodgers, who had taken up the law business as a profession. Mr. 
Wells has held the office continuously, and has made a conscientious and 
capable official, holding the confidence and good-will of all who are in any 
way associated with him. In politics Mr. Wells is affiliated with the Repub- 
lican party. Fraternally, he is a member of Pacheco Lodge No. 117, I. O. O. 
F., of Concord; Mount Diablo Parlor No. loi. Native Sons of the Golden 
West; Richmond Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E.; and Rebekah lodge of Con- 
cord. Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Anna Ardelia Webb, a 
daughter of Frank and Phoebe Webb, of Walnut Creek, January 8, 1902. To 
this union was born Melvin Thomas Wells, July 4, 1903. Mrs. Wells has won 
a wide circle of friends in Contra Costa County and throughout the State, 
as she is an active worker in the Congregational church and the Rebekah 
lodge of Concord. She is a graduate of the San Jose Normal School, and 
taught in Concord nearly seven years. Mr. Wells' mother was from one of 
the sturdy pioneer families who crossed the plains in an ox-team when she 
was but two years of age. Her parents settled in Contra Costa County, on 
what is known as the Government Ranch, which they later found was grant 
property; they then proceeded to Sonoma County. 

HON. R. H. LATIMER. — Among the prominent and representative men of 
Contra Costa County, none stands higher nor posesses a wider circle of 
friends than the Honorable R. H. Latimer, superior judge of Contra Costa 
County, a self-made man who, by his natural leadership, initiative and un- 
swerving principles of honor, has risen from humble station through the sev- 
eral positions he has held from drug clerk to the office of superior judge of 
his adopted county. Judge Latimer is broad- and liberal-minded, absolutely 
fair and impartial in his judicial actions, and ever ready to mete out justice 
to the poor and needy. His record on the bench is one that any man might 
well feel proud to possess. His rulings have never been reversed. Judge Lat- 
imer was born near Miami, Missouri, January 28, 1854. He is the son of Ran- 
dalph Latimer, a pioneer farmer and surveyor, and a native of Virginia, born 
in 1800, and died August, 1861. He was a self-made man, beloved by all who 
knew him. He removed to Missouri, took up farming, and was numbered 
among the prominent men of that State. He served two terms in the State 
legislature of Kentucky, and the year of his death was nominated in Mis- 
souri to run on the legislative ticket, but owing to ill health he was obliged 
to decline. Judge Latimer's mother, Nancy Latimer, was a native of Virginia 
and reared in Kentucky. The parents of Judge Latimer were married in Ken- 
tucky, and had fourteen children, only two of whom are now living, the sub- 



488 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

ject of this review and a brother, Robert K., a prosperous real-estate man re- 
siding in Seattle, Washington. The parents of Judge Latimer have traced 
their ancestry back for many generations in England. His great-great-grand- 
father came from England and located in Maryland about the time Lord 
Baltimore died. On Mr. Latimer's mother's side the family tree can be traced 
back to Revolutionary times. Judge Latimer was educated in the private and 
public schools of Missouri, graduating from the Mt. Pleasant College, of 
Huntsville, in the class of 1877. Two years later he came to California, lo- 
cating in Concord, in this county. He afterward removed to Walnut Creek, 
where he was employed in a drug-store. It was about this time that he de- 
cided to adopt law as a profession. He began reading law while working in 
the drug-store, and was admitted to the bar in August, 1884. He later opened 
an office in Walnut Creek, where he practiced his profession for two years, 
after which he removed to the county seat. In the larger place his legal tal- 
ent soon won recognition, and he became prominent in many big actions, 
gaining a prestige that endeared him to the hearts of all with whom he 
came in contact. Judge Latimer soon rose in his chosen profession and be«. 
came one of the leading attorneys in California. In 1908 he was urged by his 
friends to become a candidate for superior judge of Contra Costa County. 
He was elected by a flattering majority, and has been repeatedly honored by 
being returned to the bench. For thirty years he has been a factor in the pro- 
fession, and his advice and council is often sought by other lawyers and jur- 
ists. During his service on the bench. Judge Latimer has been called to pre- 
side over the courts of other counties, and has decided many notable and 
celebrated cases. As a leading man of affairs, a trained lawyer, and a judge 
of the superior court, he has established a name that the people of Contra 
Costa County and of California are proud of. He has a brilliant past and a 
future that is most inviting. In 1889 he was united in marriage to Miss Ma- 
dora Garner, of Los Gatos, California. Fraternally, he is a member of the 
Masonic lodge of Martinez, and has filled all the chairs in his lodge, except 
that of master. He is an active member of the I. O. O. F. of Martinez, and 
has held every office in that order. Judge Latimer served two years as jus- 
tice of the peace in Concord, and was district attorney for three years. He 
also held office in the California State Iroquois Club. His wife is a member 
of the Eastern Star and Women's Improvement Club of Martinez, and takes 
an active part in all club and social events, and is a lady of education and 
refinement. 

EVERETT B. TAYLOR, a practicing attorney of Martinez, has won suc- 
cess, and is numbered among the able representatives of his profession. Mr. 
Taylor is a native son and was born at Byron, Contra Costa County, Califor- 
nia, August I, 1879. He is the son of Volney and Agnes E. Taylor. His father 
is a native of Canada, while his mother is a native of Illinois. Mr. Taylor's 
father is widely recognized as one of the county's most esteemed citizens. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 489 

and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He is still a resident of By- 
ron. The subject of this review received his education in the public schools 
of Contra Costa and Alameda counties, and the University of California. 
Later he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1904. Subsequently he 
started to practice his profession in Alameda County, and afterward re- 
moved to Contra Costa County, locating in Martinez, where he has since re- 
sided. Mr. Taylor gives his political allegiance to the Republican party. 
Fraternally, he is identified with the Woodmen of the World. On December 
II, 1901, he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie F. Bohmen, of Sacramen- 
to, a native daughter. To this union has been born a daughter, Beatrice V., 
born May 6, 1906. Although a young man, Mr. Taylor has won a prominent 
place in the ranks of the legal fraternity in this part of the State. His father 
is an extensive farmer and owns eight hundred acres near Byron. He is 
affiliated with the Masonic lodge, also a member of the Odd Fellows. He has 
taken a prominent part in the temperance work throughout the State and 
county. He enjoys in a full measure the confidence and respect of all who 
know him. 

EARL B. FITZPATRICK, M. D.— Among the many brilliant and able men 
who have gained prominence and distinction among the medical profession 
of the Bay cities is Doctor Earl Fitzpatrick, practicing in Martinez. He is 
numbered among the foremost representatives of his profession. He was 
born in Redding, California, March 23, 1887. He is a son of John W. and 
Mary Louise Fitzpatrick, both of whom are dead. His father was a native of 
California and his mother a native of Washington. At the time of his death, 
his father was associated with the Southern Pacific Company, as land agent 
in Nevada. Doctor Fitzpatrick was educated in the public schools of Red- 
ding, and graduated from the Oakland High School. Later he attended the 
Oakland Medical College, and graduated in 1910. He served as intern in the 
Alameda County Hospital for a period of ten months. In March, 1911, he re- 
moved to Martinez, where he has since carried on a general practice. Politi- 
cally, Doctor Fitzpatrick is affiliated with the Republican party. He acts in 
the capacity of assistant county physician, and is now serving as secretary 
of Contra Costa County Medical Society, and is a member of the American 
Medical Association. Fraternally, Doctor Fitzpatrick is affiliated with the 
Masonic lodge of Martinez, holding membership in No. 41. He is also a 
member of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, No. 1251, the Woodmen of the 
World, the Eagles, the Moose lodge of Martinez, the Red Men, the order of 
the Eastern Star, and is a member of the Native Sons. While a resident of 
Martinez Doctor Fitzpatrick has built up a large and representative patron- 
age, accorded to him in recognition of his unusual proficiency in his chosen 
field of labor. Doctor Fitzpatrick is medical examiner for the following in- 
surance companies: Metropolitan Life and Mutual Life (of New York), 
Western States Life, West Coast Life, Mutual Life (of Des Moines, Iowa), 



490 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



JEtndi Life, and Travelers', and also serves in this capacity for many frater- 
nal organizations. He has a sister, Mabel, wife of Clarence F. Murdig, who 
resides in San Diego. 

EDWIN MERRITHEW, M. D., has been successfully engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine at Martinez for the past eight years, and is widely recog- 
nized as one of the able and representative members of the profession. He 
was born at Gold Run, Placer County, California, November 2^, 1880, son of 
Moses W., born July 4, 1837, and Annie Elizabeth Merrithew, born in 1854. 
His father is a native of Maine, and his mother was born in San Francisco. 
The parents still reside in Placer County. The subject of this sketch was ed- 
ucated in the public schools of Placer County. He also attended the Stockton 
Normal School. He then entered the Cooper Medical College and graduated 
in 1905, becoming intern at the Lane Hospital in San Francisco. He prac- 
ticed his profession in Sonoma County, and in June, 1907, he removed to 
Martinez, where he enjoys the full confidence of the people of his locality. 
In March, 191 1, Doctor Merrithew was appointed county physician, which 
office he has since held. He has served as health officer of the city of Mar- 
tinez since January i, 1914. He is local surgeon for the Santa Fe Railroad. 
Fraternally, Doctor Merrithew holds membership in the Odd Fellows, the 
Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, and the Elks. He has held 
the chairs in the Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, and now serves 
as camp physician of the Woodmen of the World. He is especially interest- 
ed in and a member of the Native Sons. He is a member of the Contra Cos- 
ta Medical Society, the California State Medical Association, and the Amer- 
ican Medical Association. He has served as vice-president of the County 
Medical Society. In politics the Doctor is a Republican. He was married to 
Miss Emma Kriner, of California, October 29, 1910. To this union one son, 
Wallace Kriner, was born on July 29, 1913. Mrs. Merrithew is a member of 
the Women of Woodcraft, and is active in all matters pertaining to promote 
the general welfare and growth and expansion of the community. 

REUBEN H. CURRY. — An enterprising and prosperous representative of 
business interests in Richmond is Reuben H. Curry. His birth occurred in 
Contra Costa County, at Clayton, August 10, 1864. He acquired his education 
in the public schools of this county. He is a son of Edward Curry, a native 
of Missouri, who came to California via Cape Horn in 1849. He located in 
Clayton, and after a time he returned to his native State and in 1855 was 
united in marriage to Annie Goodwin, a native of Indiana. They then crossed 
the plains with an ox-team, which took six months, and again located at 
Clayton. The father was an experienced stockman and followed this busi- 
ness all his life. He died in 1865. While crossing the plains the parents of Mr. 
Curry had many narrow escapes from the Indians, and on one occasion res- 
cued a lady who had been scalped by the Indians while en route. Mr. Curry's 



BIOGRAPHICAL 491 

mother is still living and makes her home in Alameda. Four children were 
born in the parents' family — Martha, wife of Augustus Houston, deceased; 
Edward, a mining man; Josephine, wife of John Breen; and the subject of 
this sketch, who embarked early in life for himself, and has been engaged in 
various places in the hotel and soda business. He operated the Geyser Ho- 
tel in Sonoma County for ten years, and run a hotel at Angels Camp for six 
years. In 1901 he removed to Richmond and established the first manufactur- 
ing business in the city, called the Richmond Soda Works. He continued in 
this about three years, then sold out and left Richmond for ten years, when 
he returned and repurchased the business which he had originally start- 
ed, and since his return has met with gratifying success. Mr. Curry was 
united in marriage to Georgia B. Dingley, a native of San Francisco, April 5, 
1883. To this union were born Grace D. and George Franklin. Mr. Curry is a 
Republican. He has been honored by being elected on the water commission, 
and took ofifice in April, 1913, which he now holds. He is a member of the I. 
O. O. F., the Rebekahs, the Moose, the Eagles, and is a Native Son. 

WILLIAM J. JOHNSON, one of the representative men of Martinez, has 
won a place among the leading and progressive business men of his locality. 
He is genial and pleasant in manner and has made many friends in the bus- 
iness world. He was born in that far-off land, Poland, on July 17, 1868. He 
was reared and educated in the old country, attending the public schools 
and a technical institute. At the age of eighteen he came to America and lo- 
cated in Boston, where he remained for seven years and followed his trade 
as machinist. May 15, 1895^ he came to Contra Costa County and located in 
Martinez, where he first engaged in the bicycle business. Later he manufac- 
tured medical machinery and dental appliances. The importance of this line 
of work gained him prominence all over the United States. Of recent years 
he has given his attention to expert automobile work, and has the agency of 
several high-class cars. Politically, Mr. Johnson is a strong Progressive, and 
in his co-operation in political matters he has been a strong Roosevelt man. 
Fraternally, he is a member of various organizations. On February 2, 1907, 
he was married to Miss Mary Kobylanski, of Chicago. To this union have 
been born two children, Kazimir and Louisa. The family are members of 
the Catholic church. Mrs. Johnson takes an active part in all church work 
and is a valued member of the Improvement Club of Martinez. 

JOHN H. NICHOLL. — Among the men who, by reason of their personal 
integrity, ability, and business enterprise, have come to be regarded as repre- 
sentative citizens and leading business men of Contra Costa County, Cali- 
fornia, is John H. Nicholl. He has been active in promoting the best inter- 
ests of the community along many lines, and throughout his entire life he 
has directed his efforts where mature judgment and keen discrimination 
have led the way. Mr. Nicholl was born in San Leandro, Alameda County, 
in 1855, and is the son of John and Agnes Booth (Hodge) Nicholl, natives of 



492 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



the north of Ireland and both of Scotch ancestry. His father died on July 
28, 1914. The subject of this review acquired his early education in the San 
Pablo public schools and later attended the California Military Academy of 
Oakland, and the Pacific Business College of San Francisco. Following the 
completion of his studies, he operated the Nicholl Hotel in Oakland for four 
years, after which he engaged in mining on Wood River, Idaho. He moved 
to Salt Lake City, and in 1899 returned to Oakland, organizing in the same 
year the John Nicholl Company, a closed corporation, of which he has since 
been secretary and manager. He maintains offices in Richmond and Oakland, 
through which passes daily an immense amount of business. The John 
Nicholl Company controls valuable real-estate holdings in Ventura, Contra 
Costa, and Alameda counties, and also valuable tracts of land around Rich- 
mond. Land belonging to the company was sold in 1896 for the right of way 
for the Santa Fe Railroad. The company made the first sale in Richmond to 
Claus Spreckels for the use of the San Francisco & San Joaquin Valley Rail- 
road. The consideration was $80,000, and the land was located in the best 
part of Point Richmond. Mr. Nicholl recently sold for $525,000 one hundred 
and eleven acres in the heart of Richmond, land which had been acquired by 
him in the early days for thirty dollars an acre. This was the largest sale of 
undivided and unimproved property ever made in the United States. Mr. 
Nicholl is now the owner of some of the most valuable ranches in Ventura 
Count>, Spanish grants acquired in 1867, and has one thousand acres in that 
locality planted in lima beans and English walnuts. He still has large prop- 
erty holdings in and around Richmond and other sections in California. Al- 
though he is a man of power and prominence in real estate circles, his in- 
terests have not by any means been confined to this field, as is evident from 
the fact that he was the founder in 1901 of the Bank of Richmond, which, 
starting with a capital of $30,000, has under his administration as president 
increased this to $100,000. Mr. Nicholl is also known as the organizer of the 
first w^ater company of Richmond. His knowledge of present-day business 
conditions is comprehensive and exact. To the solution of many difficult 
problems which have confronted him in the course of years he has brought 
keen discrimination and penetrating sagacity. Mr. Nicholl is an ex-member 
of the Richmond Industrial Commission, and in the summers of 1913 and 
1914 made trips to Washington as a delegate to secure an appropriation from 
the United States Government for harbor improvements in Richmond. He 
can always be counted upon in the furtherance of any plan for the advance- 
ment of the city, where he has gained prominence as a man of marked abil- 
ity and substantial achievements. His unbending integrity of character, his 
marked business ability, and his public spirit make him a citizen whose 
worth is widely acknowledged. 

HARRY W. WERNSE, one of the foremost men in Contra Costa County, is 
worthy being styled a self-made man, for, starting out in life without re- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 493 

sources, he has through his own energy and initiative risen to be one of the 
leading real-estate operators and promoters in the Bay region, Mr. Wernse 
was born February 11, 1878, in St, Louis, Missouri, his parents being Wil- 
liam F. and Minna (Hintze) Wernse, His father came to America from Han- 
over, Germany. His mother is a native of Missouri, The subject of this 
sketch acquired his education in the public and high schools of St, Louis. 
After graduation he went to Texas, where he rode the range for two years. 
He then took up mining in Arizona and Colorado, This vocation he followed 
for five years. In 1902 he came to California, locating in San Francisco, 
where he engaged in the real-estate business and operated largely in Rich- 
mond. He has been associated with H. C, Cutting in the development of the 
Point Richmond Canal & Land Company of Richmond since 1904, and has 
served as secretary and treasurer of that company ever since. Mr, Wernse 
was united in marriage to Miss Helen J. Owens of St, Louis, Missouri, June 
14, 1899, To this union in 1902 was born one daughter, Helen Mildred, who 
ranks high among her associates as one who enjoys and takes part in many 
children's operas. In politics Mr, Wernse is affiliated with the Republican 
party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order and the Elks. He 
has been prominently identified with Richmond's harbor project. He was 
elected as a committee of one to appear before the Rivers and Harbors Com- 
mittee of the House of Representatives in support of the bill for the im- 
provement of Richmond's harbor. He has been secretary of the Richmond 
Industrial Commission for the past four years, and is ever working in the in- 
terest of the city of Richmond's great industrial and commercial progress. 

CHARLES LUTHER TRABERT is a man of marked ability and judg- 
ment, a resident of Berkeley, California, and prominently identified with the 
industrial interests of California. He is connected with the C, A, Smith Lum- 
ber Company as secretary, Mr. Trabert was born at Ephrata, Pennsylvania, 
April 30, 1871, son of the Rev. George H. Trabert, pastor of an English Luth- 
eran church. Mr. Trabert has devoted his entire life to the lumber business, 
and has been associated with the C. A. Smith companies longer than any of 
his business associates. He has made a scientific study of forestry and has 
accomplished a great deal of important work along this line. His father, in 
his seventy-second year, is still active in the ministry as pastor of the Salem 
English Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the only Eng- 
lish Lutheran minister for years in the Northwest, and he established 
churches in Duluth and Red Wing, Minnesota; Fargo, North Dakota; La 
Crosse, Wisconsin; and many other cities. His wife, who was in her maiden- 
hood Miss Mary Elizabeth Minnigh, is of mixed Pennsylvania Dutch and 
English stock, an ancestor of the family having come from Munich in 1622. 
Charles L. Trabert received his education in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and 
Minneapolis, where he attended high school for three years. He was a mem- 
ber of the first manual training class in that city, and was for three years a 



494 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



student in Gustavus Adolphus College, at St. Peter, Minnesota. During his 
last year in college he became identified with the C. A. Smith Lumber Com- 
pany in the office, drawing maps and plans. In this way he became inter- 
ested in the lumber business and gained a knowledge of standing timber. 
Mr. Trabert spent some time in the Pine River district and accompanied 
the driving crews, thus becoming familiar with the details of practical lum- 
ber. At this time Mr. Trabert decided to take his final year in college, and 
attended Newberry College, North Carolina, graduating in 1894, and receiv- 
ing the degree of B. A. He returned to Minneapolis and permanently entered 
the employ of C. A. Smith & Company, then a partnership of C. A, Smith 
and ex-Governor John S. Pillsbury. Mr. Trabert became connected with the 
timber end of the business, and in one year became private secretary to Mr. 
Smith, which position he held for seventeen years. January i, 1904, the C. A. 
Smith Timber Company was organized with a capital stock of one million 
dollars; this company took over all the timber holdings of the former con- 
cern, and in May, 1912, removed their offices to Oakland, California. The C. 
A. Smith Timber Company acquired interests in the West, and their busi- 
ness grew rapidly, and subsidiary corporations were formed, and Mr, Tra- 
bert was made secretary of the various holdings. As the Smith timber was 
cut off in Minnesota and the various interests on the Pacific Coast grew, 
Mr. Smith, in looking for a western location, decided upon Oakland for the 
reason that the five timber districts controlled by the Smith interests — two 
fir tracts and one spruce in Oregon, with one redwood and one sugar-pine 
and yellow-pine tract in California — were tributary to tide-water. He there- 
fore moved all of his interests to Oakland, and established yards, planing- 
mills, and a box-factory at Bay Point, California, Mr. Trabert is a member 
of the National Foresters Association, the National Geographical Associa- 
tion, the Archaeological Association of America, a kindred body. He also 
belongs to the Oregon Conservation Association. He has frequently lectured 
before the University of California and the Forestry Club on the subjects 
of forestry. On June 25, 1894, Mr. Trabert was united in marriage to Miss 
Harriett Abney Wells, of Newberry, South Carolina, a daughter of Osborne 
Wells, one of the most prominent men of that city and an officer in the 
Civil War. To this union a daughter, Dorothy, was born in 1895. Mr. Tra- 
bert was well known in social circles of Minneapolis. He held membership in 
the University Club, the Interlochen Minneapolis Choral Club, the Philhar- 
monic Club, of which he was president, and the Federation of Men's Clubs. 
He was a member of the Minneapolis bar, having received his degree in law 
from the University of Minnesota in 1899. In Oakland he holds membership 
in the Athenian and Commercial clubs, and is a member of the University 
Club of San Francisco, and the Faculty Club of the University of California. 
During his entire life Mr. Trabert has been active in the aflfairs of the 
Lutheran church, assisting in the organization of the St. Michael's Lutheran 
Church of Berkeley, which was incorporated September 29, 1913, and is ves- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 495 

tryman and choir-master. He is a director in the Berkeley Ontario Society, 
and a member of the Sons of the Revolution, while Mrs. Trabert is treas- 
urer of the John Rutledge Chapter, D. A. R. She is in addition a member of 
Joseph Le Conte Chapter, Daughters of the Confederacy. She is also a mem- 
ber of the Wednesday Morning Musical Club and the Ebell Society of Oak- 
land. 

CHARLES BERNDT JOHNSON.— Throughout the years of an active bus- 
iness career Charles Berndt Johnson, of Bay Point, has given all or most of 
his time and attention to the lumber business, and is today one of the most 
trusted and valued lumbermen in California. He has risen through the vari- 
ous departments to be general superintendent of the C. A. Smith Lumber 
Company, of Bay Point, California. This position he is now filling with 
credit and distinction. He was born in Sweden, May 2, 1871, and is a son of 
Johnnas Anderson. In his country the son takes the first name of his father. 
His mother, Assarina (Anderson) Johnson, was also a native of Sweden. 
Our subject received a limited education in the old country and at an early 
age worked on his father's farm. At the age of twenty he came to America 
and located in Minnesota, where he found employment in a lumber-yard as 
a common laborer. He progressed and was promoted to shipping clerk for 
the Shelvin-Calpenter Lumber Company. Here he remained for fifteen years. 
He then removed to Freece, Minnesota, and there followed the same work 
for three years. In 1911 he came to Bay Point and became identified with the 
C. A. Smith Lumber Company, as shipping clerk and general foreman, after 
which he was promoted to the office of general superintendent, which posi- 
tion he now holds. He is watchful of all indications concerning trade condi- 
tions, is energetic, and has achieved a measure of success, which is the direct 
reward of persistent earnest effort. Mr. Johnson is a Republican. He has re- 
peatedly been elected on the Bay Point school board. Fraternally, he is 
affiliated with the Masonic lodge and the I. O. U. W. Mr. Johnson was twice 
married; the first union was to Hannah Larson, a native of Sweden. This 
marriage occurred in 1892. His first wife died in 1903. To this union were 
born two sons and two daughters — Myrtle, wife of H. L. Taylor; Edna, who 
resides at home; Berndt, of Bay Point; and Henry, deceased. The second 
marriage was to Helena Elmgrem, also a native of Sweden, in October, 
1905. To this union two children have been born, Bernice and Leslie. Mr. 
Johnson has many friends in the Bay cities, and he is popular among those 
with whom he is connected. 

SIMON W. CUNNINGHAM.— The life record of Simon W. Cunningham is 
interwoven with the history of Contra Costa County. His parents, indeed, 
are of the true pioneers of the country; his father was one of the first. men 
to locate in this part of the State. Simon W. was born at Bay Point, April 
30, 1868, a son of Daniel and Fannie (Hickey) Cunningham, both natives of 



496 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Ireland. His parents were united in marriage in Albany, N. Y., and came 
west in 1850, locating in Sonoma County. His father worked at ranching 
for a time for Colonel Swift, and later became identified with Mr. Hood in 
buying large numbers of sheep. Mr. Cunningham's father brought the sheep 
to Contra Costa County and made all the arrangements to locate in this 
county on government lands. He took up six hundred and forty acres of land 
at Bay Point, afterward adding to his holdings. When the C. A. Smith Lum- 
ber Company located at Bay Point in the spring of 1908, Simon W. and his 
brothers disposed of one thousand acres to this concern. Mr. Cunningham's 
father died in 1901, and his mother passed away in 1914. There were eight 
sons and one daughter born into the parents' family. The subject of this 
sketch acquired his education in the public schools of Bay Point, after which 
he looked after the ranch interests and became interested in business at Bay 
Point for ten years. In 1910 he engaged in the dry-goods and gentlemen's 
furnishing-goods business, and is recognized as a far-sighted and resourceful 
business man. In politics Mr. Cunningham is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is affili- 
ated with the Modern Woodmen of America, I. D. E. S., and the U. P. E. C. 
He was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Williams of Concord. To this 
union there have been two children — Warren, born April 19, 1905, and Mer- 
vin, born July 2, 1914. Mrs. Cunningham's father, Joseph Williams, Sr., is one 
of the respected ranchers in his locality, and has been a resident of Contra 
Costa County for many years. 

VOLNEY TAYLOR. — Among the men who assisted materially in the de- 
velopment of eastern Contra Costa County prominent mention should be 
made of Volney Taylor, a man of enterprising ideas and methods. He was 
born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, June 20, 1851, and came with his 
parents to California when he was fifteen years of age. His father, Alexander 
T. Taylor, was born in the township of Bolton, Province of Quebec, Canada, 
September 15, 1821, and at the age of twenty he started in life for himself. 
In 1844 he rented a farm in Canada, and later purchased the land, which he 
operated for eleven years. Disposing of his landholdings he returned to the 
place of his birth, where he remained until his removal to the Pacific Coast. 
Accompanied by his family he sailed from New York on November 6, 1866, 
to the Isthmus of Panama, and from there to San Francisco, arriving De- 
cember 6th of that year. He located near Vallejo, Solano County, where he 
rented a farm for two years. In September, 1868, he removed to Contra Costa 
County, locating in the Point of Timber district, where he purchased three 
hundred and twenty acres of land. From the first he was successful, and 
large crops of grain made his land a valuable investment. The marriage of 
Alexander T. Taylor occurred on June 17, 1845, to Miss Louisa Bruce, a na- 
tive of Vermont. To this union were the following children: Valeria M., born 
July 14, 1846, wife of C. A. Foster (passed away in 1908); Avyette, born Oc- 
tober 27, 1848, wife of A. Richardson (passed away in 1907); Alexander V., 



BIOGRAPHICAL 497 

born April 11,1853; and Volney, the subject of this review. The Taylor family 
originated in England, and established themselves near Quebec, Canada, 
during the early history of America. Alexander T. Taylor died in 1912 and 
was numbered among the most prominent and representative men of eastern 
Contra Costa County. He came empty-handed to the State and won his way 
to a position of prominence, and his death was mourned by a wide circle of 
friends. Volney Taylor acquired his education in the public schools of Valle- 
jo, and in 1872 he graduated from the Pacific Business College in San Fran- 
cisco, after which he returned to the home place and took up farming. He 
purchased the home farm from his father, and in addition to this he bought 
two other ranches. He now owns about eight hundred acres of the finest 
land in the eastern part of the county, being especially adapted to grain and 
alfalfa, and Mr. Taylor now has about one hundred and fifty acres of the fin- 
est alfalfa raised in this county. From 1896 to 1905 Mr. Taylor made his 
home in Oakland. He was united in marriage to Miss Agnes E. Andrews, a 
native of Illinois, and to this union was born one son, Everett B., now a 
prominent attorney residing in Martinez. On December 11, 1901, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Carrie F. Bohmen, of Sacramento, and their one 
daughter, Beatrice B., was born in 1905. Volney Taylor has gained a place of 
influence in Contra Costa County, and has won for himself a fine reputation 
for his business ability. He is president of the Byron-Bethany Irrigation 
Company. Fraternally, he is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the East- 
ern Star. He also holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows and in the Independent Order of Good Templars. 

JAMES SIMEON HOOK. — An early pioneer of Contra Costa County and a 
prominent member of its agricultural community, James S. Hook is widely 
and favorably known throughout the Bay section as an upright man of hon- 
est integrity and sterling worth. Mr. Hook is a son of William Hook, one 
of the first settlers in Contra Costa County, who died July 24, 1882. William 
and Elijah were twin brothers, born in Salem, Virginia, February 4, 1805. 
Their father died when the boys were fourteen. They moved with the family 
to Howard County, Missouri, where they engaged in building houses. In 
1827, they purchased a quantity of dry goods and joined an expedition for 
Santa Fe. The night previous to their arrival at Santa Fe they met some 
Mexicans who informed them the following day there was to be a massacre, 
which took place and many were killed. William Hook hired mules and 
packed the goods over the mountains into Sonora, where Elijah joined him. 
They visited the principal towns in Sonora, sold what goods they could, and 
returned to Santa Fe. Learning that the Indians were troublesome on the 
way home, they went to Matamoras, where the brothers parted, Elijah tak- 
ing passage to Philadelphia. He had fifty thousand dollars with him, which 
he put in the safe, no one but the captain knowing that he had the money. 
After being at sea for some days, a man tossed Elijah overboard. Just as he 



498 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

was sinking for the last time, he caught a rope and was pulled aboard. When 
William and Elijah parted William purchased a drove of mules and started 
for Missouri, through Texas. On the way he was taken sick and was cared 
for by a family in northern Texas. He recovered and finally reached the 
mouth of Red River, where he sold the mules, and after three months he 
reached his destination. The brothers then engaged in the merchandise bus- 
iness for several years. They also took up the steamboat business and made 
a trip to New Orleans. Cholera broke out and the crew died except the 
Hook brothers. On the second trip to New Orleans, Elijah died of yellow 
fever, in August, 1835. The same year William married Miss Miranda Brown. 
In 1850 he and his wife crossed the plains, arriving in Placerville on Septem- 
ber I, 1850, just before California was declared a State. Their daughter Em- 
ma was the first white child born in Placerville. The following spring they 
removed to Sacramento. In 1853 they came to Martinez. Here Mr. Hook en- 
gaged in business. In 1854 he purchased land in Contra Costa County, and in 
1855 and 1856 he bought more land and owned nearly three thousand acres. 
James S. Hook was born January 27, 1853. At the age of six years his par- 
ents moved onto land near Pacheco. He was educated in the public schools, 
Braden College, a private school in Oakland, and the University of Califor- 
nia, graduating from the department of agriculture in 1874. He returned to 
the home place, where he has always been active in agricultural pursuits. He 
has been enterprising in fruit culture, and has about nine thousand trees and 
ships annually nearly four hundred tons of pears. He was united in marriage 
on October 24, 1883, to Miss Louise Gambs, a daughter of John and Helen 
Gambs. Her father was one of the pioneer merchants of Pacheco, and one 
of the first to engage in the manufacture of wine in this county. He died in 
June, 1907. Her mother is still living, and is now nearly seventy-five years 
old. Mrs. Hook was born July 30, 1864, To this union there are three sons — 
Theodore Harold, born August 14, 1885; Cyril Randolph, born March i, 1888; 
James Stanley, born July 29, 1897. James S. Hook is a member of the Ma- 
sonic lodge of Walnut Creek, and the Woodmen of the World. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Hook are members of the Eastern Star and Artisans. In politics Mr. 
Hook is a Republican. Theodore Harold married Josephine Russi, of Pa- 
checo, in June, 1913, and their daughter, Lucille Marie, was born October 20, 
1916. Cyril Randolph married Flora Dewing, of Walnut Creek, in March, 
1913, and their one child. Flora Jane, was born July 26, 1915. In fraternal 
circles Theodore H. and Cyril R. are members of the Masonic lodge of Dan- 
ville and hold membership in the Royal Arch. At the age of twenty-five The- 
odore H. held the office of worshipful master of the Masonic lodge at Wal- 
nut Creek for two terms. Vincent Hook, a son of William Hook, graduated 
in civil engineering from the University of California in 1876, and follows 
general farming. He was married on September 26, 1885, to Adele Raap, a 
native of Contra Costs. County. He is a Republican, and was elected super- 
visor in 1906, and has since held this office. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a 
member of the Native Sons, the I. O. O. F., the W. O. W., and the Eastern 



BIOGRAPHICAL 499 

Star. The Hook family is accordingly respected and esteemed by a wide cir- 
cle of friends in the Bay region. 

LUKE BULGER has been actively identified with business interests of 
Contra Costa County as a contractor and builder for the past thirty-nine 
years. He was born in Canada, near Montreal, June 6, 1852, a son of James 
and Margaret Bulger, both natives of Ireland. Mr. Bulger acquired his edu- 
cation in the public schools of Chicago, Illinois. He took up the carpenter 
trade when a young man, and has since been identified with contracting and 
building. Thirty-nine years ago he came to Martinez, where he embarked in 
business as a building contractor on his own account. He first erected cot- 
tages and did carpenterwork and gradually branched out into larger con- 
struction. He has erected and been identified with many important struc- 
tures. He was superintendent of the Contra Costa County courthouse and 
town hall, and also had charge of the Byron Hot Springs Hotel. He has 
erected many of the finest homes in Martinez. Politically, Mr. Bulger is a 
Democrat. He has served as school trustee for twenty-four years. He was 
united in marriage thirty-five years ago to Margaret Hurley; her death oc- 
curred seventeen years ago. There were eight children born to this union. 
Mr. Bulger is a member of the Woodmen of the World. 

HERMAN H. BRUNS, a representative pioneer settler of Contra Costa 
County and a true type of the brave, hardy, and energetic men of nearly fifty 
years ago who, coming to this country in manhood's prime, contributed 
largely toward its growth and advancement. He was a man of excellent 
ability, sound judgment, and good principles. Being a native of Germany, he 
was reared and educated in his native land. In the early '70s he purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in the Antioch section, where he suc- 
cessfully carried on general ranching. Mr. Bruns married Catherine Brugga- 
mann, also a native of Germany, and to this union there are two children-^ 
John, born June 12, 1888, and Herman H., Jr., born December 31, 1885. Both 
boys received their education in the public schools of Byron and Brentwood, 
after which they assisted on the home place. John H. was united in marriage 
to Esther L. Davidson, a native of Antioch, July 21, 1915, and to this union 
was born John Donald, December 6, 1916. Fraternally, John H. Bruns and 
his brother are members of the I. O. O. F. of Byron and the Masonic lodge 
of Brentwood. Politically, they both are affiliated with the Republican party, 
and they adhere to the principles which are advocated in the platform of 
their party in national affairs, but locally reserve the right to cast their bal- 
lots for the man whom they consider best qualified for public office. In 
Brentwood Bruns Brothers erected a concrete and modern garage, 75 by 120 
feet, which would be a credit to a larger city. They have erected a modern 
and substantial garage in Antioch, 50 by 100 feet, on the corner of Third and 
F streets. The firm of Bruns Brothers have the agency for the Buick and 



500 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Ford automobiles. They are held in the highest esteem both in business and 
social relations in their community. 

GEORGE W. SMITH. — Among the most beautiful as well as the most pro- 
ductive ranches in eastern Contra Costa County is that of George W. Smith, 
residing near Brentwood. It is located beautifully and commands a sweeping 
view of Mount Diablo. Of this property, consisting of fifty-six and a half 
acres, fifty-four acres is given over to the production of the finest varieties 
of walnuts and almonds. The care and attention which have been exercised 
in the management of this ranch place it at once among the most valuable 
properties in this section. Born in Illinois on August 4, 1858, George W. 
Smith was one of a family of four children. His parents were Oscar and 
Sarah Jane Smith. His father came to California in 1863 and located in Lodi, 
where he farmed for about one year. He then moved to Napa and remained 
for two years. Afterward he made his home in Davis for a period of three 
years. Seeing the possibilities of eastern Contra Costa County, he purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres and engaged in general farming. His death oc- 
curred in 1910. His wife died in 1865; while they resided in Napa. The subject 
of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Brentwood. At 
the age of twenty-one he rented a place on the Marsh grant, where he re- 
mained for sixteen years. Nineteen years ago he returned to the home place 
and took the management of his father's interests, which he has successfully 
conducted up to the time of his father's death. Mr. Smith was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Mattie Walton, a native of Texas, in 1884. To this union have 
been born two children. Alma, the first daughter, on July 21, 1903, married 
Joseph W. Pfaflf, and resides on the home place. Their three children are 
Evelyn, George, and Violette. Mr. Smith's second daughter, Eunice, was 
united in marriage to William Meuser, of San Francisco, on September 5, 
1909. Politically, Mr. Smith is a Democrat, and has always sought to advance 
the principles which he indorses. He gives his aid toward good government 
as well as the general welfare of his locality. Fraternally, he is a member of 
the Masonic lodge of Brentwood, and holds membership in the Eastern Star. 
He is also a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. The other chil- 
dren in Mr. Smith's parents' family are Henry C, residing in Santa Cruz; 
Mattie, wife of William Douglass, residing in Marin County; and Charles, 
who died at the age of twenty-five. 

ROBERT WALLACE, JR.— Prominently identified with the active and en- 
terprising business men and agriculturists of Brentwood is Robert Wallace, 
Jr. He is a man of ability and is numbered among the substantial men of his 
community. He is successfully engaged in the insurance business, and the 
high reputation which he enjoys is greatly to his credit, for it stamps him as 
a man who follows only the fairest methods. For fourteen years he has 
served as justice of the peace, and he has fulfilled the expectations which the 



BIOGRAPHICAL 501 

people had in him when they entrusted their affairs to his care. Mr. Wallace 
was born in San Francisco on September 28, 1859, being a son of Robert and 
Ann (Shepard) Wallace. Both parents were natives of North Shields, Eng- 
land. His father learned the trade of ship-caulker and came to San Francisco 
in 1857, where he readily found employment. In 1870 he purchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land south of Brentwood, and upon this place Rob- 
ert, Jr., began his manual labors. After finishing his education, Robert as- 
sumed charge of his father's place. After a time he rented the ranch, and 
soon purchased one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his father's property. 
Mr. Wallace was united in marriage to Miss Alice J. Murphy, daughter of 
John Murphy, of Concord. To this union have been born four children — Rob- 
ert, Jr., Ray, Elaine, and Richard. In his fraternal relations Mr. Wallace is 
affiliated with Brentwood Lodge No. 345, F. & A. M., in w^hich he served as 
master for a period of five years. He also occupied the various chairs in the 
order. He is a member of the Eastern Star and has served as patron of the 
latter. He also holds membership in the I. O. O. F. lodge of Byron. He is a 
member and director of the Point of Timber Cemetery Association and the 
Contra Costa Agricultural Association. He has taken a keen interest in good 
horses, and was a member of the Concord Driving Club of Contra Costa 
County. Mr. Wallace is a Democrat in politics, and in casting his vote he 
exercises the same caution and judgment which characterize his business 
enterprises. His mother passed away in 1892, and her death was mourned by 
a wide circle of friends. 

GEORGE W. KNIGHT. — No one man has done more to advance the agri- 
cultural, horticultural, and commercial interests of eastern Contra Costa 
County than George W. Knight, of Knightsen. Enterprising, energetic, and 
progressive, he has developed one of the best paying ranches in that section. 
Mr. Knight was born in Chelsea, Maine, January 20, 1843, and is a son of 
John and Adeline (Tibbetts) Knight. At the age of twenty-three he became 
dependent upon his own resources, and went to Massachusetts, where he 
followed the occupation of landscape gardening. He saved considerable 
money, and in 1874 he determined to cast his lot with the Golden West and 
sailed for California via the Panama route. He went to Santa Barbara, where 
he found employment on a ranch. His desire was to own a fine ranch. 
Through the result of close economy, after working out in San Francisco, 
Marin County, Livermore Valley, and Antioch, he obtained a sufficient sum 
to enable him to rent a ranch in connection with G. Dunbar and N. B. Hew- 
itt. Later Mr. Knight engaged in the hay-pressing business. He followed this 
and other work until 1883, when he purchased one hundred and ten acres, a 
part of the Barkley ranch, and began to improve it. He devoted the land to 
the cultivation of grain and hay, and met with financial success. He then 
purchased eighty acres, and again ten acres adjoining. Mr. Knight set out 
several acres of almonds. He raised all of his own trees and did considerable 



502 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

nursery work. He propagated the "Klondike" almond, and made exhibits at 
the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. Foreseeing the need of a shipping station 
and post-office at that point on the Santa Fe Railroad, in 1900 he had sur- 
veyed seven and a half acres of land, erected a store and post-office, and on 
May 15 was appointed postmaster. Mr. Knight was united in marriage on 
March 2, 1885, to Christina Christensen, a native of Denmark, the daughter 
of Johan and Anna (Hansen) Christensen, and it was the combination of the 
two names which gave the name to the town of Knightsen. To this union 
have been born Amy Marie, wife of Harvey Nelson Rook, of Williamsport, 
Pa., married September 5, 1902, and engaged in the grocery business in Los 
Angeles. They have four children — Virginia Margaret Amy, born January 
31, 1904; Harvey Nelson, born January 23, 1906; Robert McClellan, born Jan- 
uary 14, 1909; and Ellen Marie, born October i, 1912. Addie Flora Knight was 
married to Phillip Cohen Mecum, of Chico, California, July 17, 191 1. Their 
one child, Vernon Claire, was born July 27, 1914. Essie Wilmena Knight was 
united in marriage to Lewis Ervin Lehmer, of Harrisburg, Pa., June 2, 1912. 
Their one son, Lewis Erwin, Jr., was born April 24, 1913. Mr. Lehmer is con- 
nected with the Southern Pacific Company as station agent at Raisin City, 
Fresno County, California, George W. Knight has been a lifelong Republi- 
can. He has served on the Knightsen school board for a period of fourteen 
years, and served as clerk of the board most of the time. He has never as- 
pired to public office. Mr. Knight raised 2065 sacks of barley on sixty-five 
acres in 1915, and he has twenty-five acres set out to almonds, and ships an- 
nually on an average about eight tons of the finest almonds grown in Cali- 
fornia. 

EDSON H. FOX, president and manager of the ranch of the Central Cream- 
ery Company, with offices at corner of Twelfth and Jeflferson streets, Oak- 
land, is a man of much energy and activity. He is held in high esteem by his 
large circle of friends and acquaintances. He was born in Aurora, Illinois, 
April 6, 1871. His father, Daniel Fox, was a soap manufacturer during his 
residence in Illinois. His mother, Jennie (Baker) Fox, was a native of 
Illinois. The family came to the Pacific Coast in 1883, and settled in Oak- 
land, where Edson H. received his education. Laying aside his books, Mr. 
Fox worked at the baking business for a time, and later worked for the Fair- 
mont dairy for six years. The Central Creamery Company now owns three 
hundred acres of choice land near Oakley, and has a herd of three hundred 
and thirty selected cows. The buildings are of the most advanced type, and 
the sanitary regulations in this dairy are the most modern and up to date. 
Politically, Mr. Fox is a Republican, but he has never aspired to office. He 
was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Ransom, a native of Nevada County, 
California. To this union one son, Ransom Fox, was born in 1899. The stock- 
holders in the Central Creamery Company are J. M. Carr, J. J. O'Neil (man- 
ager and secretary), Mrs. Jayne, George Hickman, and E. H, Fox. The sub- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 503 

ject of this review is a public-spirited man and ever ready to lend his best 
efforts toward the promotion of any movement calculated to advance the in- 
terests of eastern Contra Costa County. 

HENRY W. HEIDORN is an active representative of business interests in 
eastern Contra Costa County. He is engaged in the general mercantile business at 
Knightsen, and was born July 16, 1876. He is a son of Christopher Heidorn, 
a representative rancher, who came to this county in 1868. Entirely through 
his own efforts he acquired a position of importance in the county, and by 
his constant and undivided attention and by exercising economy he became 
the owner of a two-hundred-and-forty-acre ranch, Mr. Heidorn's father was 
a native of Germany, and came to America when a young man and settled 
on the Alfred ranch near Knightsen. Three years later he purchased two 
hundred and forty acres and engaged in general farming operations, raising 
grain and hay, and had considerable land set out to fruits, nuts, and vine- 
yard. His death occurred on November 21, 1906. Henry W. Heidorn, the sub- 
ject of this review, acquired his education in the public schools of Brent- 
wood and Antioch, after which he attended college in San Francisco. After 
finishing his education he became identified with general merchandise stores 
in San Francisco, Crockett, and Antioch, and in January, 1904, he opened a 
store in Knightsen. In his parents* family there were three children — Emma, 
wife of Thomas White, residing on the home place; Edna, a teacher in the 
public school of Knightsen; and our subject. Mr. Heidorn is affiliated with 
the Republican party, and has served on the local school board for a period 
of ten years. He has served six years as deputy county assessor for the fifth 
district, and has acted as a delegate on the county central committee for six 
years. He has been postmaster at Knightsen and takes a keen interest in 
the upbuilding and modern activities of the eastern part of the county. Fra- 
ternally, Mr. Heidorn is a Mason and a member of No. 345, F. & A. M., a 
Royal Arch Mason, and is past patron of the Eastern Star, besides being a 
member of the I. O. O. F. of Byron and the Independent Order of Foresters 
of Brentwood. He was married September 27, 1905, to Miss Helen Souther- 
land Johnston, a native of San Francisco and a daughter of James and Helen 
C. Johnston. Mrs. Heidorn's father was a prominent contractor in San Fran- 
cisco, and died in 1910. Her mother is still living. Mr. Heidorn's father came 
to this country via Panama accompanied by his brother. His father first set- 
tled in Dixon. He later went to Pacheco and worked for Mr. Loucks, and at 
a later time worked for the Antioch distillery. He returned to Germany, 
where he remained for one year, when he again made the trip to this coun- 
try, where he remained and became one of the leading ranchers in east- 
ern Contra Costa County. 

DAVID FRANKEL.— The history of David Frankel, of Pittsburg, Califor- 
nia, is that of a representative business man of the West, alert and energetic. 



504 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

He has certainly won a place among the leading and progressive business 
men of Contra Costa County. Mr. Frankel was born in Germany, October 
10, 1874. He acquired his education in the old country, and after coming to 
America he pursued his studies in the public schools of San Francisco. Early 
in life he learned the painting and decorating trade in his native land. He 
followed this business for about fourteen years. In 1904 he removed to Con- 
tra Costa County. Previous to coming here he operated a store in Mariposa 
County, which he conducted with gratifying success. On taking up his resi- 
dence in Pittsburg he engaged in business to a successful degree. Politically, 
Mr. Frankel is affiliated with the Republican party. He was elected April 10, 
1916, as one of Pittsburg's city trustees for the fot^r-year term. Fraternally, 
he is a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 18, of Pittsburg. He is 
also a member of the Foresters of America, Golden West Court No. 20, of 
San Francisco. Mr. Frankel was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Olander, 
a daughter of Isaac and Minnie Olander, January 12, 1902. To this union 
have been two children — Minnie, born in San Francisco, January 22, 1903, 
and Bessie, born in Pittsburg, California, November 13, 1906. Mrs. Frankel 
is also known in club circles and holds membership in the Pythian Sisters. 
Mr. Frankel has been an active member of the Knights of Pythias, and has 
held the office of inside guard, at present acting as outside guard. He has 
shown himself able and faithful in the discharge of public duties, and has 
gained the indorsement of the people of his locality, both in a business and 
political way. Both daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Frankel are popular, and are 
musicians of considerable ability. 

JOSEPH PAZZI is one of the prominent and well-known business men of 
Bay Point. His record is that of a self-made man who has won success in 
the business world entirely by his own efforts. He was born in Italy on Jan- 
uary I, 1881. He received a limited education in the old country. He came to 
America on April 17, 1906. At the age of fifteen he went to England and re- 
mained in that country until he was twenty-five years of age. He was iden- 
tified with the confectionery business in England, and coming to the United 
States, he located at Jerome, Arizona, where he remained for a few months. 
He removed to Contra Costa County and operated a meat market at Point 
Richmond, and then entered the same business in Bay Point. He then went 
into the general merchandise business at Bay Point. He has many friends 
in the county and among the business men, and is trusted by all because of 
his high principles. Mr. Pazzi was united in marriage to Ernestine Miller, a 
native of France. To this union have been born three children — Marguerite, 
Florence, and Ernestine. Mr. Pazzi is public-spirited and interested in all 
matters that are to the interest and for the welfare of the community in 
which he lives. 

CAPTAIN JOHN B. TURNER was one of the oldest residents of Antioch. 
In early days — the '50s — he was captain of a steamboat called the "Antioch" 



BIOGRAPHICAL 505 

which plied between Antioch and Collinsville. It was his delight to relate 
incidents of early California history in which he took part and tell anecdotes 
of the prominent men of that time, with most of whom he had a personal 
acquaintance. The bell in the belfry of the Antioch Methodist church was 
once on the old schoolhouse, then opposite the present school, and was at 
one time his property away back in the '50s when the bell was used on steam- 
boats instead of a whistle. He left a large family that was his particular 
pride. He taught his family one principle that is frequently overlooked. They 
have the true family affection and love for each other. They are as closely 
knit by the bonds of love and affection, due to the family tie, as any family 
we have known. His father, Thomas Turner, was a pioneer of the great 
West, and built the first fort in Missouri, during the Black Hawk War. The 
decedent, John B. Turner, came to California in 1849, and settled on the San 
Joaquin, where, with his two brothers, he was connected with the cattle 
business. In 1863 he moved to Antioch and engaged in the steamboat busi- 
ness in company with his brother, Captain Abe Turner. His wife, who was 
Miss Maria Fleming, was born in Dunsmore, Galway County, Ireland, in 
1847, and sailed for San Francisco with friends in 1869. A short time after- 
ward she came to Antioch, where she met Captain J. B. Turner, of the ferry 
steamer "Antioch," and following a short courtship was married to the 
prominent river man. Never was there a more devoted mother, whose every 
thought was for her children, while the latter always considered her com- 
fort. They left a large family to mourn them — eight boys and three girls: 
Thomas, John- B., George A., James T., Lillie E., William G., Frank M., 
Bert, Ruth, Ben, and Sadie. 

ALVA SHERMAN SHERLOCK, a practicing attorney of Concord, has 
won success at the bar and is numbered among the able representatives of 
the legal fraternity in Contra Costa County. His birth occurred in Zanes- 
ville, Ohio, September 26, 1869; his parents being Abraham and Adeline 
(Sandel) Sherlock. Alva S. attended grammar school in Poneshiek County, 
Iowa, where his parents removed in 1875. His father was a farmer and died 
in 1882. The mother is now residing in Chicago. There were seven children 
born in the parents' family, and all are living. Hugh, a rancher, at Madrone; 
Lewis F., a rancher, residing near San Jose; and Roy W., a resident of San 
Francisco, identified with the S. P. R. R., are the only ones residing in Cali- 
fornia. The subject of this review studied law under H. A. Haines, of Chi- 
cago, and was admitted to the bar in Chicago and admitted to practice be- 
fore the Supreme Court of Illinois in 1897. He was united in marriage to 
Miss May B. Kent McLeod in Chicago, September 26, 1901. Mr. Sherlock 
practiced his profession in Chicago for a period of nine years. In 1906 he re- 
moved to Newport, Washington, and represented many large mining inter- 
ests of that State. He was admitted to practice in that State on motion or 
license from Illinois. He served in the Spanish-American War and was a 



5o6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

member of Troop F. of the First Illinois Cavalry. He served from April 26, 
1898, to October 11, 1898. He went to Chickamauga Park, Georgia, a training 
camp, and was honorably discharged at Fort Sheridan October 11, 1898. He 
served as city attorney at Newport, Washington, from January, 1908, to Jan- 
uary, 1910. He also served as city attorney at Deer Park, Washington, from 
February 5, 1910, to February 7, 191 1. He incorporated the town of lone, 
Washington, and rendered legal services to many towns and corporations 
during his stay in Washington. Mr. Sherlock gives his political allegiance 
to the Democratic party. He was a candidate for the House of Representa- 
tives from the sixtieth district, Washington, in 1912. He removed to Spokane 
in June, 1913, and remained in that city until May, 1915, when he came to Cal- 
ifornia. Mr. Sherlock was admitted to the bar of this State on June 11, 1915, 
and admitted on motion August i, 1915. He opened an office in Concord, in 
the Bank of Concord building, where he has done a general law business 
with gratifying success, and on April loth he was appointed city attorney. 
Fraternally, Mr. Sherlock is affiliated with the Royal Arcanum No. 1622, of 
San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Sherlock have one daughter. May Ruth, born 
in Chicago, August 15, 1902. Mrs. Sherlock's father, Frederick Kent, was a 
native of New York State and died there. Her mother was Jennie (McLeod) 
Kent-Tresham, a native of Ohio, who died in 1913. Both parents of Mrs. 
Sherlock were well-known theatrical people of the early days and made a 
success all over the United States. They had the respect and esteem of all 
who knew them, and they used to tell of their many reminiscences of the 
early days. 

EUGENE BLYTHE ANDERSON has for a number of years been con- 
nected with educational work in Contra Costa County. He was born on 
January 25, 1857, at Petaluma, California. His parents were William L. and 
Emma R. (Ferguson) Anderson, the former a native of Tennessee, and the 
latter of Kentucky. After pursuing his studies in the public schools Mr. An- 
derson attended and graduated from Christian's College of Santa Rosa. At 
an early age he began to teach school, and followed this vocation for over 
seventeen years in Sacramento, Contra Costa, and Lake counties. He be- 
came one of the eminent educational authorities in this county, and for many 
years served on the county educational board. In 1898 Mr. Anderson en- 
gaged in fruit-growing extensively, and owns ninety acres of fruit adjoining 
the town of Walnut Creek, which he has brought up to a high state of cul- 
tivation. He specializes in prunes and pears, and handles five hundred tons 
of dried fruits annually. He has two drying plants and uses ten thousand 
drying trays in order to dry his fruit. He is a large realty dealer in Rich- 
mond, having $50,000 invested in real estate. He is proprietor of the Ander- 
son Hotel, located at Point Richmond, and is recognized in business circles 
as a resourceful and discriminating man, whose integrity is beyond question. 
Politically, Mr. Anderson is a Democrat, but he has never been active along 



BIOGRAPHICAL 507 

party lines, and has never aspired to any political office. He represented 
Contra Costa County for fifteen years on the California Development Board, 
which was an honorary position. On June 14, 1888, he was united in marriage 
to Lena C. Jones, a native of Contra Costa County, and daughter of John 
M. Jones of Alamo. Their one adopted daughter, Rosalie, was born in 1900. 
Mrs, Anderson, previous to her marriage, was connected with educational 
work in this county. She taught school in Walnut Creek district for twenty 
years; she served on the board of education for some years after her resig- 
nation. Mr. Anderson is identified fraternally with the Masonic fraternity, 
being a member of Alamo Lodge No. 122. Mrs. Anderson is a member of the 
Eastern Star, and has held the office of worthy matron of her lodge. Mr. 
and Mrs. Anderson are held in high esteem in the community by all who 
know them. 

CHARLES DUNN is an active and enterprising representative of business 
interests of Concord, being identified with the wholesale and retail butcher 
business. His birth occurred in Lafayette, Contra Costa County, California, 
October 14, 1867, his parents being Lemuel J. and Asenith (Millard) Dunn. 
Mr. Dunn's father crossed the plains during the pioneer days of California, 
and his mother, accompanied by her father, came to this State via the Isth- 
mus route. His parents were married in Contra Costa County and had five 
children; his brother, Davis, died in 1906. The subject of this review ac- 
quired his education in the public schools of Contra Costa County, after 
which he took a business course at Heald's Business College. Laying aside 
his books, Mr. Dunn became identified with agricultural pursuits. This he 
followed up to 1900, when he removed to Concord and worked for Randall 
Brothers for a period of ten years in the warehouse. He held the position as 
bookkeeper in Randall Brothers* general merchandise store for two years, 
and then became identified with Foskett, Elworthy & Keller, in the meat 
business. Mr. Dunn, with H. P. Brubeck and Joseph Levada, bought out this 
firm in May, 191 1, and they have since continued in the wholesale and retail 
meat business. Mr. Dunn is progressive and he has succeeded in life for 
the reason that he has always ceaselessly applied himself to his busi- 
ness. The firm follows the most honorable methods, and its members are 
well worthy of the confidence and respect which they enjoy in their com- 
munity. The father of Mr. Dunn died in 1870; his mother is still living; she 
was twice married, the second union being to Austin Dorman, of Concord. 
The subject of our review was united in wedlock to Laura E. Jaquith, of 
Concord, in 1895, and her death occurred in 1900. Mr. Dunn's second mar- 
riage was to Victoria M. Railsback, a native of Indiana. To the first union 
there were two children — Lemuel, born in March, 1897, and Laura E., born 
September, 1898. By the second marriage there were four children — Ruth 
E., Ellen G., Esther B., and Mildred Pearl. Mr. Dunn gives his political al- 
legiance to the Democratic party. He is now serving as town trustee, being 



5o8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

elected to that office in April, 1914, for the four-year term. Fraternally, he is 
a member of the Red Men, the Native Sons, and the Woodmen of the World. 
The grandfather of Mr. Dunn came to California and located in Sacramento 
in 1852, where he died of cholera. His wife and two sons removed to San 
Jose. All the worldly possessions they had consisted of two yoke of oxen. 
With no money or food, the boys started out and found employment at 
freighting. Mr. Dunn's father was one of these boys. By his determination 
to win, he saved up some money and removed to Lafayette, where he even- 
tually bought land. He was a man of culture and progressive views, and was 
recognized as one of tried integrity and worth. 

FRED J. WEBER is an active representative of business interests in Con- 
tra Costa County, being located at San Pablo. His father, Frank Weber, was 
a native of Germany, and died in 1896. Mr. Weber's mother was Julia (Wil- 
lem) Weber, also a native of Germany. In 1856 Mr. Weber's father came to 
America and located in San Francisco. The parents were married in San 
Francisco, and six children were born to this union. A brother, Frank J. 
Weber, is associated with our subject in the meat business. Fred J, Weber 
was educated in the public schools, after which he assisted on the home 
ranch until 1902, when he and his brother Frank engaged in the meat busi- 
ness, and by straightforward and honorable business methods have now a 
place among the prominent and well-to-do business men of the county. They 
have a well-equipped market, and operate their plant for handling and killing 
stock. There are four sisters — Reca, Julia (wife of Frank Schrick, of San 
Francisco), Lillie (wife of James Murphy, of Sacramento), and Louisa. Mr. 
Weber's father owned one hundred acres of general farming land, which 
has since been brought up to a high state of cultivation. Fred J. Weber 
is affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never aspired to any political 
office. He has served on the local school board, and is interested in matters 
for the betterment of local conditions. He is a member of the Foresters, the 
Odd Fellows, and the Native Sons. His brother, Frank J. Weber, is also a 
member of the Foresters and the Native Sons. 

WALTER A. ROGERS. — Among the men who by reason of their ability 
and business enterprise have come to be regarded as representative citizens 
and leading business men of Contra Costa County is numbered Walter A. 
Rogers, who for many years has been engaged in the hotel business at Wal- 
nut Creek. He is a son of William B. Rogers, who was born in Ripley Coun- 
ty, Indiana, June 26, 1827. When fifteen years old William B. Rogers, the fa- 
ther of Walter A. Rogers, went to Burlington, Iowa, where he attended 
school during the winter months and farmed in the summer. In 1846 he pro- 
ceeded to Van Buren County and learned the cooper's trade. The same year 
he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Shaffer. In 1852 he crossed the plains, 
arriving in Drytown, Amador County, California, October 20, 1852. He at 



BIOGRAPHICAL 509 

once opened a laundry. In the fall of 1852 he erected the Iowa Hotel at Em- 
pire City, and a year later he removed to San Ramon Valley. In 1856 he com- 
menced farming, which he followed until 1867. Mr. Rogers then removed to 
Walnut Creek In 1861 he went to San Francisco and engaged in the draying 
business from 1870 to 1878. He served on the San Francisco police force, 
where he was widely known as an energetic and efficient officer. In 1880 he 
again removed to Walnut Creek and erected the Rogers Hotel. In 1870 Mr. 
Rogers was married to his second wife, Elizabeth Anderson. To the first 
union were born five children, two of whom died in infancy, Mary, who died 
at the age of sixteen, and William. William served as sheriff of Contra Costa 
County for three terms, and was succeeded by R. R. Veale. He was after- 
wards constable of Martinez, and later he became identified with the South- 
ern Pacific Company, when his health failed and he died in 1913. Walter 
A. Rogers received his education in the public schools of San Francisco and 
Contra Costa County, After acquiring his education he followed various vo- 
cations. In 1881 he returned to Walnut Creek and bought his brother's inter- 
est in the hotel, and, associated with his father, continued to operate the ho- 
tel until 1892, when he bought the interest of his father, who retired. The hotel 
is one of the leading hotels around the Bay district and popular with auto- 
mobile parties. The hotel contains forty rooms, and has always been kept up 
to the highest standard. Walter A. Rogers was united in marriage to Anna 
Buck, a native of Kansas, in 1902. To this union one son, Walter A., Jr., was 
born on November 9, 1909. Mr. Rogers gives his political allegiance to the 
Republican party. He served as deputy constable under his brother for some 
years. He has always co-operated with any movements that tend to the up- 
building and substantial improvements of his city, and manifests at all times 
a public-spirited devotion to the general good of the county. Mr. Rogers is 
the only survivor of his family. 

ORVILLE E. HAYWARD began his independent career at an early age and 
his record furnishes a splendid example of the value of energy, perseverance, 
and resolution in the attainment of success. He was born in Macoupin Coun- 
ty, Illinois, in 1852, a son of Ansel and Rebecca (Silsby) Hayward. His fa- 
ther was a native of Massachusetts, and his mother was a native of Illinois. 
Mr. Hayward's father died in 1862, and his mother passed away in 1863. The 
subject of this review acquired his education in the Blackburn University of 
Illinois and on coming to California he took a course in a business college 
of San Francisco. His health failed and he removed to Sonora County, where 
he remained until 1881. The same year he purchased ten acres of land two 
miles from Martinez. He undertook farming in principle and detail, and his 
experience and practical methods brought him gratifying results. He now 
owns thirty acres of the most valuable land in the Alhambra Valley, and is 
considered one of the leading horticulturists in the county. Mr. Hayward 
was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Bagge, of Oakland, March 28, 1883. 



5IO 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



To this union were born two children. Mrs. Hayward's father was one of 
the foremost men of Oakland. He was a large realty holder both in city and 
country lands. He served as land agent for the San Francisco Savings Union 
for a period of twenty-five years. He owned much of the land where Elm- 
hurst is now located. He died on May 17, 1901, and Mrs. Hayward's mother 
died in 1907. Mr. Hayward is especially prominent and active in the affairs of 
the Masonic fraternity, which he joined in 1896. He is now serving as secre- 
tary of Martinez Lodge No. 41, the oldest lodge in Contra Costa County. 
Mrs. Hayward also takes an active interest in Masonic affairs, and has the 
honor of being secretary of the order of Eastern Star of Martinez, and is a 
past matron of Los Ceritos Chapter No. 234. 

CHARLES H. GUY, a representative and esteemed citizen of Concord, and 
who is now holding the office as postmaster of that town, has made a most 
creditable record in that connection. Under his management the post-office 
has had a substantial growth. Mr. Guy was born in Nortonville, Contra Cos- 
ta County, December 22, 1879. He is a son of John W. and Lavinia T. (Mc- 
Cain) Guy. His father was a native of Alabama and a Civil War veteran. He 
died in 1910. Mr. Guy's mother was a native of Tennessee. The parents re- 
moved to Contra Costa County in 1870. The father of Mr. Guy was a car- 
penter and contractor and was identified with the coal mines of this county, 
and was timber boss for many years. He later served as county coroner and 
conducted an undertaking business. The subject of this sketch received his 
education in the public schools of Concord; finishing his education, he be- 
came associated with the United Railroads and the gas company of San 
Francisco for a period of four years. In 1908 he returned to Contra Costa 
County and learned the undertaking business with his father. At the time of 
his father's death Mr. Guy took in two partners, and the firm name became 
Guy, Palmer & Ford. Mr. Guy was appointed postmaster by President Wil- 
son on July 8, 1914, and took office on September i of that year. He served 
as town clerk for two years and resigned, owing to the duties connected with 
his office as postmaster. Fraternally, Mr. Guy is a member of Richmond 
Lodge No. 1251, B. P. O. E., a member of Concord Parlor No. 245, Native 
Sons, the Odd Fellows, the Woodmen of the World, the I. D. E. S., and the 
U. P. E. C. He was united in marriage on April 19, 1910, to Miss Amelia Ga- 
lindo, of Concord. Mrs. Guy holds membership in the Women of Woodcraft. 
Mr. Guy is a useful and valued citizen, and his appointment to the position of 
postmaster of Concord was met with the ready approval of all the residents 
of his town. Those who know him personally find him a genial and courteous 
gentleman and value his friendship most highly. 

EDWARD P. JACKSON is a man of culture, progressive views, and high 
ideals, and is well and favorably known in the community around the Bay 
cities. He now occupies a formal position in the business world. He has one 



BIOGRAPHICAL 511 

of the most modern and best-equipped furniture stores in Contra Costa 
County. Much credit is due Mr. Jackson for the success he has made in the 
business world, for he started out in life without funds and in a strange coun- 
try. He has always been an obliging and courteous man and ever ready to 
render a service to those in need, and to extend a helping hand. Mr. Jackson 
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 12, 1873. His parents were Charles J. 
and Mary E. (Parris) Jackson, and both parents were natives of Ohio. The 
parents removed to Newton, Kansas, when Edward P. was a mere lad of ten 
years. He acquired his early schooling at Newton, Kansas. He entered the 
employ of the Wells Fargo Express Company at an early age as messenger 
on the road and in office work. In January, 1895, he came to Concord and 
opened an upholstery shop, which he followed for one year. He then re- 
moved to San Francisco and followed the same vocation for a time. He re- 
turned again to Concord and was acting constable for three years; resigning 
in 1902, he established his present furniture business, which was in February, 
1907. Shortly after he was married he went to Livermore, where he engaged 
in the purchasing-agent business, which he continued for five years. After 
the San Francisco fire he returned to Concord, where he has since resided. 
He was appointed justice of the peace in 1911, and in 1914 he was elected to 
the same office for a four-year term. He served as town clerk up to the time 
of his election as justice of the peace. He is an ardent Republican, and takes 
a keen interest in the welfare of his party. Mr. Jackson was united in mar- 
riage August 4, 1902, to Jettie Jaquith, a native of Canada. To this union 
there is one son, Loyde E., born January 10, 1905. Fraternally, Mr. Jackson is 
affiliated with the Red Men, the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, and the I. O. O. F., 
the I. D. E. S., U. P. E. C, and the Rebekah lodge. He has served as treas- 
urer of the Red Men lodge of Concord for six years. He also served for 
many years as secretary of the I. O. O. F. lodge of Concord. Mrs. Jackson 
is a member of the Rebekah lodge, and both have the respect and esteem of 
a large circle of friends. 

HENRY COLMAN CUTTING can indeed be numbered among the builders 
and promoters of California's growth and greatness. His efforts have found 
tangible result in the development of Richmond, and he is now president 
and practical owner of the Point Richmond Canal & Land Company, Pre- 
viously he was the real builder of Tonopah, Nevada. He seems to possess 
almost an intuitive perception in recognizing opportunities that others pass 
heedlessly by, and in utilizing such opportunities he has advanced to a prom- 
inent position among the citizens of central California. He was born in 
Iowa on April 3, 1870, and is a son of George and Jean McGown Cutting. The 
family moved to Nevada in 1873, and the son, making his own living since he 
was twelve years old, pursued his education in the public schools of Reno 
and in the Nevada State University, being a member of the first class grad- 
uated from that institution, in June, 1891, on which occasion he won the 



512 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Bachelor of Arts degree. In addition to classical studies he had completed 
a course in mining engineering. Later he took up the profession of teaching, 
which he followed for three years in Candelaria, Nevada, and for four months 
at Wadsworth, where he was principal. In 1894, while teaching there, he was 
elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction, which position he filled 
for four years, during which period he studied law and was admitted to the 
bar. During this period he wrote what is the basis of the mining laws of Ne- 
vada, after which he gave to the State its first compilation of mining laws, 
and these the legislature adopted. In 1899 the legislature named him as com- 
piler of the statutes of the State, which had not been compiled previously 
for fifteen years. He accomplished the work in a most satisfactory and effi- 
cient manner within the next year, after which he turned his attention to 
prospecting, in order to regain his health, and was one of the first men in 
Tonopah, Nevada. In fact, it was Mr. Cutting that advertised that place to 
the world. He was not only associated with the development of the mineral 
resources of that section, but was active in almost every line of endeavor 
leading to the organization, upbuilding, and development of a new com- 
munity. He built the first telephone line, opened the Wells Fargo Express 
offices in Tonopah, Goldfield, and Manhattan, and has a record for having 
handled more money with a smaller percentage of loss than any other fron- 
tier agent. He established several large mercantile stores and operated big 
freight teams, besides carrying on extensive mining operations. Besides do- 
ing all the legal business of the community, he preached the first two burial 
sermons in Tonopah, and on the occasion of the second acted also as under- 
taker and leader of the choir, following which he administered the estate. 
He was also the first notary public in Tonopah and granted a couple a di- 
vorce, being probably the only notary public who has ever performed such 
a service. On leaving Nevada Mr. Cutting came to San Francisco for the pur- 
pose of advertising Tonopah to the world. When the San Francisco Mining 
Exchange refused to list the Tonopah stocks he immediately gave his atten- 
tion to establishing a mining exchange where the Tonopah stocks would be 
handled, and in less than two weeks organized the San Francisco & Tono- 
pah Mining Exchange, of which he was president for the first two years, 
when the two exchanges merged. One feature of his success is the thorough- 
ness with which he masters every phase of a business with which he is con- 
nected, not only in its direct, but also in its subsidiary interests. He learns 
what may be gained by reading, and adds to this thorough practical experi- 
ence and investigation, and, with thorough understanding of the situation, 
he is often able to utilize and improve opportunities which others have 
passed heedlessly by. In 1904 he became interested in the development of the 
town of Richmond, California, and is now president and practical owner of 
the Point Richmond Canal & Land Company. He originally conceived the 
idea of the inner harbor at Richmond, advocating the project, and has been 
so successful in his eflforts to bring it before the public notice that the city 



BIOGRAPHICAL 513 

of Richmond has voted $1,170,000 for carrying out the project, and the long- 
est and widest street in Richmond, Cutting Boulevard, is named after him. 
He is known as the father of Richmond's inner harbor project. He has his 
offices in the Monadnock Building in San Francisco, and he has been a stal- 
wart champion of the interests of that city, ardently advocating the cause of 
Greater San Francisco, having been a vice-president of the Greater San 
Francisco Association since its organization. Mr. Cutting was at one time 
an officer in the Nevada State militia. He is prominent in Masonry, belong- 
ing to Occidental Lodge No. 22, F. & A. M., California Chapter No. 5, R. A. 
M., Golden Gate Commandery No. 16, K. T., and Islam Temple. He belongs 
also to the Union League Club and the Bohemian Club of San Francisco, 
and is a life member of the Elk Lodge No. 597, Reno, Nevada, Pleasantly 
situated in his home relations, he was married April 19, 1903, to Minetta 
Chesson, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Chesson, of Benicia. The chil- 
dren of this marriage are Helen E., George C, Jean, Clara, and Daisy. Such 
in brief is the history of Henry Colman Cutting, but it tells comparatively 
little, except to those who read between the lines, of the intense energy, the 
strong purpose, and the indefatigable perseverance of the man. He has al- 
ways been a student, but nothing of the dreamer. He has had visions, but 
is not visionary, for he has proceeded to put into execution the plans and 
theories which have arisen before his mind, seeking out practical methods 
to materialize these and make them forces in the country's progress and de- 
velopment as well as sources of individual gain. Mr. Cutting's latest accom- 
plishment is the writing and publication of a book entitled "Financial In- 
dependence and How to Attain It," which gives a solution of our financial 
troubles and incidentally our tax problems as well as an uplift to our busi- 
ness morals and integrity. The avowed purpose of the book is to give to the 
country a new and better financial system. The courage to attempt such an 
enormous task calls for universal admiration. It is well known that he ac- 
complishes what he undertakes, that he is a broad-minded, enterprising man, 
and one whose efforts have been of great value in shaping the history of 
the West. His latest effort is of nation-wide importance. A later history will 
have to record the measure of its success. 

RALPH R. ARNOLD.— On the roster of county officials of Contra Costa 
County is numbered Ralph R. Arnold, who is serving with credit and ability 
as county surveyor. He is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Clear- 
field County on March 26, 1874. In 1877 his parents removed to Kansas, 
where he received his public school education. Mr. Arnold began his inde- 
pendent career in Colorado, where he followed engineering and surveying. 
Since engaging in this vocation he has worked in California, Utah, Wyo- 
ming, and Nevada. During this time he established a record for honesty, re- 
liability, and efficiency. In April, 1913, he came to Martinez, Contra Costa 
County, where he has met with gratifying success. He was chosen by the 



514 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



people of his county as county surveyor in the fall of 1914, and the voters 
of the county can rest assured that Mr. Arnold will conduct his office along 
the most approved and businesslike lines. He is affiliated with the Republi- 
can party. He was united in marriage to Miss Winifred Stuart on October 
3, 1907. To this union have been born Mary and Ralph James. Mr. and Mrs. 
Arnold are popular among a host of friends in Contra Costa County. 

SAMUEL HOFFMAN has been engaged in the manufacturing and retail 
cigar business in Martinez for the past seventeen years, and the many years 
he has been identified in business have brought him increased patronage and 
the absolute confidence of his customers. He has been a valued factor in 
business progress in the community in which he has made his home so many 
years. He was born in Hungary, December 12, 1872. He received his educa- 
tion in the public schools of his native land. In 1889 he came to this country 
and located in New York City, where he worked at the manufacturing jew- 
elry trade. On May i, 1899, he removed to San Francisco, where he remained 
for three years. He was united in marriage to Miss Celia Lichtensten, a na- 
tive of New York State, August 19, 1894. To this union have been born five 
children — Harry, Morris, Joseph, Henry, and one son who died in infancy. 
Mr. HoflFman is registered as a Republican, but he can always be counted 
upon to support the best man, irrespective of party lines. He has served on 
the Republican County Central Committee, and has been a delegate to vari- 
ous parties of the county. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F., the 
K. of P., the Red Men, the Eagles, the Woodmen of the World, the Moose, 
and the Royal Arch. Mr. Hoffman engaged in his present business seventeen 
years ago in Martinez, and has been in his present location since 1906. He 
placed on the market his famous brand of cigars, "Hoffman's Blue Buds," 
seventeen years ago, and he also makes the Flor de Martinez. These high- 
grade cigars have stood the test for many years. Mr. Hoffman's life has been 
fruitful of good results, not only in the attainment of success, but in his sup- 
port of progressive public measures which are of benefit to the community. 

COLONEL ERNEST A. PREBLE is one of the most prominent men of 
Richmond and has contributed a notable share to the material progress of 
this substantial city. He was born in Lincoln County, Maine, July 27, 1864, a 
son of Lieut. A. H. Preble, a Civil War veteran, and Eglantine (Turner) 
Preble, both of English descent. The Turner family were among the first 
and most prominent settlers in Maine. Colonel Preble acquired his educa- 
tion in the schools of his native State, after which he attended the Maine 
Wesleyan Seminary, at Redfield, Maine. At an early age he came to this 
coast and located in Tacoma, where he became identified with the commer- 
cial activities of that city. In 1913 he established the Preble Grocery Com- 
pany at Monterey, and continued until 1907, and while a resident of Mon- 
terey Colonel Preble was one of the organizers of the First National Bank. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 515 

In 1907 he removed to San Francisco and engaged in the wholesale cigar 
business until 1912; he then came to Richmond and engaged in the lumber 
and building business. He erected the modern plant at the corner of Tenth 
and Ohio streets, and, owing to his health, he disposed of the plant, engag- 
ing in the land business. While residing in Monterey Colonel Preble was 
appointed a member of ex-Governor Gillett's military staff. On January I, 
1915, he again engaged in the lumber and mill business, and merged his in- 
terests with Burg Bros., and the new firm was known as the Burg Bros. 
Lumber & Building Company, of which Colonel Preble was vice-president 
and manager. Politically, Colonel Preble is affiliated with the Republican 
party. Particularly on account of protective tariff, he has always declined 
any public office. He was united in marriage to Emma H. Bowers, of Ala- 
meda, in 1910. Colonel Preble has always taken a keen interest in matters 
pertaining to Richmond and has been a valued factor in its development, 
having sold several of the largest tracts for subdivision around the Bay sec- 
tion, among which was the north half of the million-dollar Nicholl ranch, to 
Burg Bros. This tract of land is most ideally situated in Richmond, and the 
deal was written up in one of the New York financial papers; it was said 
that this land brought the highest price ever paid in the United States for a 
piece of unimproved land of that size. There were over one hundred and 
eleven acres, and the purchase price was fully five thousand dollars an acre. 
Colonel Preble is at present identified with many financial men on the coast 
in promoting a railroad and breakwater, knoyvn as the Monterey & Fresno 
Railroad. He has been connected with many large and important projects, 
and his energy and ambition entitle him to credit which he has achieved. He 
has won his way upward to success, and is known among his associates as 
the man who always calls a spade a spade, and knows which is which. 

CHARLES LUDDEN is one of the foremost, and in point of residence one 
of the oldest, contractors and builders in Contra Costa County. He was 
born in Beverly, Massachusetts, on September 16, 1853, and is a son of Ben- 
jamin and Elizabeth (Woodbury) Ludden, His father was of Welsh descent, 
and located in the State of Maine, and died July 4, 1897. His mother was of 
English birth, and died in 1907. Mr. Ludden's grandfather was one of the 
pioneers of Beverly, Massachusetts, and a butcher by trade. During the gold 
excitement in California he came to the coast during the rush in 1849, but 
finally located in San Francisco and conducted a butcher-shop in Stockton 
Street from 1850 to 1852. The subject of this review received a limited edu- 
cation in the public schools of his native State, and at the age of fifteen he 
started to learn the carpenter's trade with an uncle. He has followed this 
vocation for forty-eight years continuously. He left home August 14, 1876, 
in company with two friends, and continued westward until he reached 
Oakland. Here he remained for a few months and then removed to Mar- 
tinez in 1877, where he has since resided, and has been active in his occupa- 



5i6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

tion. He has erected many fine buildings in Martinez which have added con- 
siderably to the beautification of the city. Among these structures are the 
Curry bulding, the Library, Gazette building, and the National Bank, be- 
sides many of the finest houses and store buildings in the county seat. On 
September i6, 1879, Mr. Ludden was united in marriage to Miss Eudora 
Smith, daughter of Captain John R. L. Smith, of New Bedford, Massachu- 
setts, formerly a whaling captain, who followed the seas for many years and 
was one of the respected citizens of his community. To this union were born 
three sons, and one daughter — Everett, who is identified with the United 
States Mint at San Francisco; Harris, a carpenter residing in Oakland; Ray- 
mond, a chemist, with the Mountain Copper Company of Martinez; and 
Elizabeth, wife of James F. Hoey, deputy tax collector, a resident of Mar- 
tinez. Mr. Ludden is a Republican, and he has served as town trustee for 
eight years. Fraternally, he is a member of the L O. O.F., having joined this 
order in Massachusetts in 1876, and in July, 1882, was one of the charter 
members of Martinez Lodge No. 297. He is also a member of the Knights of 
Pythias and the Woodmen of the World. He has gained for himself a posi- 
tion of prominence in the building line and his influence is always given in 
support of whatever he feels will promote the best interests of the commu- 
nity. 

JANCE J. ANDERSON, a native son and popular business man of Mar- 
tinez, devoted his attention to the duties devolving upon him as owner and 
manager of the warehouse and wood and coal business. He was born in 
Contra Costa County on March 5, 1870. His father came to the coast via the 
Isthmus route on the steamer "Oregon," and settled in this county. He op- 
erated boats on the bay and river for many years. He was a native of Den- 
mark, and died in 1910. Mr. Anderson's mother was a native of Ireland, and 
makes her home with her daughter in Pacheco. Jance J. acquired his edu- 
cation in the public schools and St. Mary's College of San Francisco. He 
afterward assisted his father in the lumber business at Pacheco and Mar- 
tinez. The Pacheco yard was one of the first lumber yards to start in Contra 
Costa County. In 1909 the subject of this review engaged in the warehouse 
and wood and coal business in Martinez. He is also identified with the in- 
terests on the bay. Politically, Mr. Anderson is a Democrat. He has served 
as town trustee for a period of four years. Fraternally, he is a member of 
the W. O. W. He was united in marriage October 5, 1895, to Minnie Loring, 
of Concord, a daughter of one of the representative business men of Con- 
cord. To this union have been born three sons — Jepson D., Cecil A., and 
Loring L. Mrs. Andesron holds membership in the Women of Woodcraft 
and is a member of the grand board of directors of the Young Ladies' Insti- 
tute of California and has served as president of the Women's Improvement 
Club of Martinez. Mr. Anderson is a man of enterprise and ambition, and is 
numbered among the representative business men of Martinez. He received 



BIOGRAPHICAL 517 

the appointment as postmaster of Martinez from President Wilson, and took 
office in the fall of 1916. 

FRANK R. JONES, one of the representative young men of Martinez, is a 
native son, his birth having occurred at Martinez, California, June 19, 1886, 
a son of Rees and Margaret Jones. His father was born in Wisconsin on 
April IS, i860, and when quite young came to California with his parents to 
settle in Stewartsville, Contra Costa County, where he grew to manhood. In 
the year 1885 he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hughes, and since 
his marriage has resided in Martinez. To this union there are three children 
— Frank, the subject of this review; Raymond, born February 13, 1892; and 
Mildred, born April 27, 1902. During his residence in Martinez Mr. Jones 
filled the responsible positions of constable and town marshal and deputy 
sheriff, and during his incumbency in these offices was noted for his fearless- 
ness and determination in the pursuit of criminals. For many years he was 
identified with Henry Curry in the livery business, and was a partner in the 
Bay View Pavilion property. Politically, he was a strong Republican and 
took an active interest along political lines. He was a member of the I. O. O. 
F. for many years. Rees Jones was a public-spirited and patriotic citizen and 
was well liked by all who knew him, and he was a courteous and painstak- 
ing official. His death occurred October 12, 1908. Frank R. Jones, the subject 
of our sketch, was educated in the public schools of Martinez and the busi- 
ness college of San Francisco. Laying aside his books, he engaged with the 
Bank of Martinez, the oldest banking institution of Contra Costa County. He 
entered the employ of the bank at the age of eighteen, and has, through his 
energy and persistent purpose, been promoted until he now fills the import- 
ant position of assistant cashier. He was united in marriage to Miss Hattie 
M. Osborne, a native of Illinois, February 12, 1914. To this union there is 
one son, Frank R., Jr., born November 26, 1915. Frank R. Jones was elected 
a member of the town trustees on April 10, 1916, for the four-year term. He 
is a member of the Native Sons, Woodmen of the World, and Knights of 
Pythias. He has the good-will and confidence of all who are associated with 
him. 

WARREN H. McBRYDE. — Ambition, energy, and progressive spirit have 
brought Warren H. McBryde to a position of prominence and distinction 
among the representative men of Contra Costa County. He was born in Mo- 
bile, Alabama, January 20, 1876, a son of Thomas C. and Julia (Horton) Mc- 
Bryde. Both parents were natives of Alabama. Warren H. McBryde received 
his education in the public schools of his native State, after which he spent 
four years in the State Polytechnic Institute at Auburn, Alabama, where he 
graduated from the electric and mechanical engineering department in 1897 
with the degree of Bachelor of Science, He at once began his active career 
with the Electric Lighting Company of Mobile, Alabama, where he remained 



5i8 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



for one year. He then became connected with the Government in the En- 
gineering Department and had charge of the submarine mines at Fort Mor- 
gan, at Mobile Bay, during the Spanish-American War in the summer of 
1898. He then became identified as chief electrician with the United States 
transport ''Sheridan" for a period of one year, and made the first trip through 
the Suez Canal to Manila from New York and on via Japan to San Fran- 
cisco. In 1899 he served as assistant resident engineer for the Colgate Hydro- 
Electric Power Plant, which was the first of its kind in the State, and which 
was erected for the Yuba Power Company, now the Pacific Gas & Electric 
Company. He was assistant superintendent for the Peyton Chemical Com- 
pany, of Martinez, for the first two years of its existence. He then went to 
San Francisco and engaged in the engineering department for the Pacific 
Gas & Electric Company. In 1903 Mr. McBryde went East and located in 
New Jersey and had charge of the construction work for eighteen months 
for the Dupont Powder Company. He left the East and returned to Contra 
Costa County, where he became resident engineer for the Hercules Powder 
Company, having charge of all engineering and construction work for two 
years. In 1909 he was promoted to the position of assistant superintendent, 
which position he now holds in a most efficient manner. Politically, Mr. Mc- 
Bryde is affiliated with the Progressive party. He was chairman of the coun- 
ty committee when Governor Hiram Johnson was elected. No progressive 
public movement and no project instituted for the benefit or welfare of the 
county lacks his co-operation and hearty support. He was president of the 
first good roads organization in the county, and has always been an enthusi- 
ast for better roads. He served in a capable manner as county supervisor 
during 1913 and 1914. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. of Rich- 
mond. He served on a committee which went to Washington, D. C, in the 
interests of securing the inner harbor appropriation for Richmond, and de- 
livered a speech showing the advantage to the outlying districts of Rich- 
mond and the county. He is a director in the First National Bank of Rich- 
mond and the Richmond Savings Bank. Mr. McBryde was united in marriage 
to Miss Abbie Ford White, of Philadelphia, February 15, 1905. To this union 
there are three children — Lucile, born January 29, 1906; Warren, Jr., born 
July 16, 1914; and Janet, born November 6, 1915. For ten years Mr. Mc- 
Bryde has been and is still a member of the executive committee of the Her- 
cules Club. He organized and has been president of the Hercules-Pinole 
Hospital Association for the past eight years. He is a trustee and clerk of 
the Pinole-Hercules school board and is president of the board of trustees of 
Hercules, where he resides. 

WILLIAM G. TURNER is prominently connected with the business inter- 
ests of Antioch, and is regarded as one of the most progressive and enter- 
prising young men of Contra Costa County. He was born on January 12, 
1877, and is a son of John B. and Maria Turner. William G. Turner was edu- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 519 

cated in the public schools, after which he learned the barber trade, which 
vocation he followed in Antioch for over ten years. He then became identi- 
fied with Fred Dahnken in the amusement business. Politically, Mr. Turner 
is affiliated with the Republican party, and successfully held the office of 
chairman of the town trustees of Black Diamond for one term. He was iden- 
tified with the business interests of Black Diamond for some time, and in 
1908 he removed to Antioch. In 1908 he engaged in the wholesale business 
and took over the Arlington Hotel and personally looked after the manage- 
ment of both interests. Mr. Turner is a member of the Native Sons, Eagles, 
Moose, and the U. P. E. C. On October 17, 1895, he was united in marriage to 
Ella Calvin, a daughter of Charles Calvin, who is connected with the Navy 
Yard at Vallejo. To this union there are two children — Harold C, born 
March 27, 1897, and Ilene E., born June 26, 1898. The family are members of 
the Catholic church. Mr. Turner is regarded as a reliable and progressive 
business man. 

WILLIAM J. BUCHANAN is one of the representative business men of 
Contra Costa County and is at the head of one of Pittsburg's business 
houses that dates its origin from a time when Pittsburg was a mere country 
village twenty years ago. The general store of William J. Buchanan since its 
foundation has been in the hands of a progressive, far-sighted, and able man, 
under whose direction it has advanced to its present large proportions. The 
store was founded in 1896. Mr. Buchanan was born at New York Landing, 
now Pittsburg, on September 11, 1867, a son of William and Katherine Bu- 
chanan. His father was a native of Scotland, and came to America in the '50s, 
locating in Placer County, where he followed mining. He removed to Con- 
tra Costa County in 1866, locating in Antioch, where he remained for two 
years. In 1867 he removed to the country near Pittsburg, where he took up 
farming, which vocation he always followed. He died in 1904. Mr. Buchanan's 
mother was a native of Scotland. His folks married in Rochester, New York, 
and came west. His mother died on January 14, 1910. There were two chil- 
dren in the parents' family, the subject of this sketch and Jennie, born July 
16, 1863, the wife of James Syme, a native of Scotland, and who resides on 
the home ranch, William J. Buchanan received his education in the public 
schools and the Stockton business college. Finishing his education, he re- 
turned to the home farm, where he was actively engaged until 1896, when he 
entered the mercantile business. In 1905 he erected his present commodious 
building. Mr. Buchanan is affiliated with the Republican party. He has served 
as supervisor for twelve years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic 
order of Pittsburg, the I. O. O. F. of Antioch, and holds membership in Dia- 
mond Parlor of the Native Sons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Eagles 
lodge of Pittsburg. Mr. Buchanan was united in marriage to Nora Carroll, a 
native of Portland, Oregon, January 4, 1893, a daughter of William and Mary 
(Keefe) Carroll. To this union there are two children — Warren G., born 



520 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



May II, 1898, and Norine, born October 28, 1900. Mr. Buchanan is a stock- 
holder and vice-president of the Contra Costa Bank of Pittsburg. Mrs. Bu- 
chanan for fourteen years was postmistress of the Black Diamond post- 
office, and she obtained the highest reputation for ability and faithfulness 
during her long term in office. Mr, Buchanan served as Wells Fargo agent 
here for sixteen years, thus showing the interest he took in his company 
who entrusted its affairs to him. 

LEE D. WINDREM, a man of forceful personality and effective ability, is 
numbered today among the most able lawyers of the Bay counties. He has 
been active in various movements and projects designed to promote the per- 
manent interests of the community where he resides. He was born in Lan- 
caster County, Nebraska, December 25, 1870, the son of Samuel and Nettie 
E. (Cooper) Windrem. His father v^as a pioneer settler in Nebraska and was 
active in political and financial matters in his State. He died in 1903. Mr. 
Windrem's mother was a native of Iowa, and now makes her home in Rich- 
mond. There were eight children in the parents' family, only three of whom 
are now living — Nettie, a teacher in the Richmond public schools for nine 
years; Guy Windrem, a traveling salesman, and formerly manager for No- 
lan Bros. Shoe Company, with headquarters in Madera, California; and our 
subject, Lee D. Windrem, who acquired his education in the public schools 
of Nebraska. At the age of twelve he became identified with the merchandise 
business, which he followed for fifteen years. He studied law under Miles 
Wallace, of Madera, was admitted to the bar in August, 1895, and practiced 
in Madera one year He removed to San Francisco, where he practiced his 
profession seven years, and in 1902 he came to Richmond, where he has since 
resided. Mr. Windrem is counsel for the Santa Fe Railroad, transacts much 
work for the Standard Oil Company, and is legal adviser of some of the 
banks in Richmond. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank and the 
Richmond Savings Bank, and being one of the incorporators of both banks. 
While residing in Madera he served as chairman in the County Democratic 
Committee during the first campaign of W. J. Bryan. In 1903 he served as 
chairman of the Democratic County Committee of Contra Costa County, and 
was appointed chairman of the Contra Costa County Democratic conven- 
tions three times. His activities in Democratic politics were recognized by 
his appointment as a member of the executive committee of the Democratic 
State Central Committee. During the three years he served as city attorney 
in Richmond, he handled the legal proceedings for the bonds for the Tunnel 
& Harbor Improvement, amounting to $1,170,000. While he has always taken 
a keen interest in politics, he has refused to accept any political office. He 
has been repeatedly asked to run for State Representative in Congress, dis- 
trict attorney, and superior judge. He has always declined the nomination 
owing to his large practice. Fraternally, Mr. Windrem is identified with the 
I. O. O. F. and the B. P. O. E. of Richmond. He was united in marriage to 



BIOGRAPHICAL 521 

Miss Marjorie D. Rickabaugh, a native of Lake County, California, July 23, 
1903. To this union have been born two children — Marion Lee and Philip 
Douglas. Mr. Windrem has the distinction of being one of the seven ap- 
pointed by the League of Pacific Municipalities at its meeting in 1910, held at 
San Diego, to draft the "Improvement Act of 1911," which act was passed 
the same year, and under which all of the street work of California is being 
done at the present time. While a resident of Richmond Mr. Windrem en- 
joyed a trip around the world in 1905, visiting the principal cities of Europe 
and the Orient. 

BERT CURRY needs no introduction to the people of Contra Costa County. 
He has become widely and favorably known as a man whose high integrity 
and excellent business ability constitute him a prominent factor in com- 
munity advancements and progress. He is a native of Contra Costa County, 
and is a representative of one of the time-honored families of this county. 
Mr. Curry was born June i, 1882, and is a son of James R. and Ellen Curry, 
who settled in Clayton, Contra Costa County, during the early days. His fa- 
ther engaged in teaming and the livery business, and also established and 
conducted stage-lines from Oakland to various parts of his home county, 
continuing his various enterprises until 1903, when he sold out and removed 
to Martinez. Bert Curry received his education in the public schools of this 
county, after which he took a business course. He learned the undertaking 
business with his brother, Henry J. Curry, at Martinez, and remained with 
him for a period of seven years, when he removed to Point Richmond, where 
he became identified in the same business in 1908. Mr. Curry has served as 
deputy coroner for five years. Fraternally, he is connected with the B. P. O. 
E. of Richmond, I. O. O. F., Eagles, Rebekah lodge, and Yeomen. In politics 
Mr. Curry is affiliated with the Democratic party, and is an active worker. 
His attention, however, is concentrated upon his business affairs, in which 
he has met with well-deserved success. 

AARON E. DUNKEL is one of the most progressive and capable men in 
Contra Costa County. He was born in Angels Camp, Calaveras County, Cal- 
ifornia, October 20, 1862. He acquired his education in the public schools of 
San Francisco. He followed various occupations and vocations during his 
early career, and in January, 1878, removed to Contra Costa County. In 
1885 he accepted a position in the county recorder's office, and filled the 
office of deputy for a period of nine years. He was elected recorder, and in 
this office he did efficient work for twelve years. He always discharged all 
of his duties in a thorough and businesslike manner. While county recorder, 
Mr. Dunkel was interested in the Contra Costa Abstract Office. The Contra 
Costa Abstract Office was established in 1887, this being he oldest abstract 
office in the county. Politically, Mr. Dunkel is a Republican; he voluntarily 
retired from public office to put all of his time and attention into the abstract 



522 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



office, owing to the increasing business, and he has realized his ambition of 
making the Contra Costa Abstract Office one of the best in the State. Mr. 
Dunkel was united in marriage to Eva Hathaway, a native of Contra Costa 
County, June lo, 1891. To this union was born one son, who is identified with 
the Shell Oil Company of Martinez. Mrs. Dunkel's father, R. B. Hathaway, 
was one of the respected and time-honored citizens of this county. He served 
as county treasurer for eight years. Fraternally, Mr. Dunkel is a member of 
the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, the I. O. O. F., and is a member of Mount 
Diablo Parlor of the Native Sons of Martinez. He is one of the best-known 
men around the Bay cities, and his substantial traits in business have gained 
for him the warm regard from all with whom he has been associated. He is 
also vice-president of the Bank of Martinez, the oldest and largest bank in 
Contra Costa County. 

JUDSON EDMUND COLTON.— One of the commanding figures of the 
business life of Martinez is Judson Edmund Colton. He has made steady 
progress toward prominence, and is today largely connected with the man- 
ufacturing interests of the Bay counties of California. He has important 
financial interests, and has been and is today in a large measure instru- 
mental in making Martinez what it is — one of the most flourishing cities on 
the Pacific Coast. Mr. Colton is a native son, being born in Sacramento 
County, April 7, 1863, a son of Louis Colton, a native of New York State. 
His mother was a native of Erie County, Pennylvania. The parents removed 
to Illinois, where they resided for a period of five years. In 1852 Mr. Col- 
ton's parents came overland to California, taking six months to make the 
trip, and settled in Sacramento County. The father was a millwright by 
trade, and erected many of the quartz-mills in the mountain counties. He 
operated mills himself, and later took up ranching, which he followed for 
twenty years. There were six children in the parents' family. The subject 
of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools of Sacramento. 
At the age of twenty-three Mr. Colton came to Contra Costa County and 
located in the Alhambra Valley, where he engaged in the growing of grapes 
and the manufacture of wine. He has been identified with Martinez for the 
past twenty years. In 1908 he erected his present establishment. In his 
winery he produces one hundred and fifty thousand gallons of the finest dry 
wines that can be produced in any country, and his goods find a ready sale. 
He owns and operates a fine fifty-acre vineyard, one-half being devoted to 
table and the balance to wine grapes. The Colton winery is the largest in^ 
dependent winery operating in Contra Costa County. Politically, Mr. Colton 
is affiliated with the Republican party, and has always taken a keen interest 
in matters pertaining to the beautifying of the county seat. He is desirous 
of seeing a city park along the water-front, and is especially interested in a 
children's playground and municipal bath-house. It is but natural that he 
was elected a member of the town trustees on April 10, 1916, for a two-year 



BIOGRAPHICAL 523 

term, and on April 12, 1916, at the regular board meeting, he was chosen 
mayor. Mr. Colton was united in marriage to Miss Sadie L. Jones, a native 
of New York State, October 16, 1888. To this union there are two children — 
Hattie, wife of Fabian Joost, of San Francisco, born September 29, 1889, and 
Judson Edmund, Jr., born June 13, 1908. Mr. Colton is a stockholder in the 
Bank of Martinez, in the Contra Costa Gas Company, and in the Martinez 
& Benicia Ferry Company. In the advancement of his individual success he 
has contributed also to the commercial advancement of Martinez, where he 
makes his home, and where he is held in high regard by his business asso- 
ciates by reason of his enterprise, integrity, and sterling personal worth. 

JOHN DUANE needs no introduction to the peopic of Contra Costa 
County, for during his years of residence in Martinez he has become widely 
and favorably known as a man of excellent business ability. He was born 
in Canada on May 23, 1859. His parents removed to Batavia, New York, 
when he was but three years of age. His parents, Patrick and Margaret, 
were the parents of six boys. John Duane, the subject of this sketch, came 
to Contra Costa County in October, 1886. He received a limited education 
as he started out in life at the age of twelve years, and went to work at the 
nursery business at Batavia, New York, for Bogue Brothers. He remained 
here four years. He then worked two years for M. Dailey of Batavia, who 
was in the furniture and undertaking business. He then returned to the 
home place and remained several years, and at the age of twenty-seven he 
came to Martinez, where he has since resided. He, with his brother, engaged 
in the nursery business. They planted many of the first elms in Martinez. 
In politics Mr. Duane is registered as a Republican. He served as town trus- 
tee for four years. He was married to Rose Mary Rogers, a native of Cali- 
fornia, January 11, 1893. To this union are seven children — Agnes Mary, born 
August 27, 1896, a graduate of the Martinez High School; Rometa Margaret, 
born February 28, 1897; John Lawrence, born March 16, 1898; Rose Helena, 
born February 2, 1900; Clarence Haven, born November 7, 1903; James 
Aloysius, born February 10, 1905; Frances Rogers, born April 2, 1909. Mr. 
Duane is a member of the W. O. W. The father of Mrs. Duane came to the 
coast during the gold excitement in 1849 from Philadelphia via the Isthmus 
route. Mr. Duane owns nineteen acres just outside the city of Martinez, and 
has it planted to trees and vineyard. 

JOHN MARCHI is a man who has, by his own energy, ambition, and 
enterprise, guided by sound and practical judgment, worked his way upward 
to a place among the representative men of Martinez. He is prominently 
connected with the city government as trustee. He was born on May 7, 
1881, in Switzerland. Mr. Marchi acquired his education in the public schools 
and later attended college for two years in his native land. In November, 
1897, he came to America, locating in New York City for a period of three 



524 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

years. While a resident of the metropolis he was connected with some of 
the large dairy firms in New York and Brooklyn. In 1890 he came to San 
Francisco and engaged in the restaurant business for six years. He then 
came to Martinez, where he has resided since. For nearly eleven years he 
was identified with the business interests of Martinez. In July, 1915, he dis- 
posed of his interests and engaged in the real-estate business, and is now 
associated with Schapiro & Company. Mr. Marchi has always used his 
power and influence toward promoting the good of Martinez. He was elect- 
ed on April 10, 1916, as city trustee for the four-year term. He was married 
in Martinez, California, to Clara Righetti, a native of Switzerland, January, 
1905. To this union there are three sons — Alfred, born January 29, 1906; Leo, 
born December 21, 1906; Ernest, born May 21, 1910. Mr. Marchi is affiliated 
with the following lodges: The Moose, the Eagles, the U. P. E. C, and the 
I. D. E. S., all of Martinez. The family attends the Catholic church. He has 
many friends in these organizations and among the business men of the city, 
and is trusted by all because of his high principles. 

CHARLES H. WALKER, present chief of police of Richmond, is a highly 
trained, well-informed officer, who is eminentiy fitted for the important po- 
sition which he holds. He was born in Kentucky on April 18, 1880, and 
acquired his education in the colleges and public schools of his native State. 
He joined the army and served in the Philippines, holding the position of 
acting sergeant. He served three years and received an honorable discharge 
on April i, 1904. Mr. Walker remained in San Francisco for a time and 
removed to Richmond in July, 1905, where he filled various positions of trust 
and importance. He became connected with the East Shore & Suburban 
Street Railway, remaining until November, 1907, and on April i, 1908, he 
assumed the duties of police officer of Richmond. He was appointed deputy 
sheriff under Sheriff R. R. Veale in July, 1905, was made sergeant in July, 
1912, and on July i, 1914, was appointed chief of police, to succeed J. P. 
Arnold, which office he now holds. Mr. Walker has shown himself adapted 
to this work and ably handles all cases entrusted to him. He was united in 
marriage to Miss Ruby Bullock, of Oakland, March 5, 1914, a daughter of 
John C. Bullock, one of Oakland's representative business men. In politics 
Chief Walker is a Republican, and takes exceptional interest along party 
lines. He is affiliated with Eclipse Lodge No. 403, I. O. O. F. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Walker take active interest and give their ready support to movements 
which have for their purpose the advancement of the community. 

HARVEY ABBOTT SELLERS.— The majority of men are content to re- 
main in positions where circumstance or environment has placed them, lack- 
ing the ambition and the determination which would enable them to advance 
and become active in control of business enterprises or important interests. 
Contrary to the general rule, and therefore standing as a central figure 



BIOGRAPHICAL 525 

among his fellows, is Harvey Abbott Sellers. Mr. Sellers is a native of 
Contra Costa County, and was born at Black Diamond (now Pittsburg) in 
1890. His father, Stephen Abbott Sellers, is a native of Brentwood, this 
county, and his mother, Mary Louise (Wight) Sellers, is a native of Contra 
Costa County. Mr. Sellers' father followed agricultural lines for many years, 
and is now retired and resides in Berkeley. He still owns two ranches, con- 
sisting of four hundred and eighty acres. In the parents' family there were 
three sons — the subject of this sketch, Eugene, an employee of the Alham- 
bra Mineral Water Company, of San Francisco, and Martin, who is attend- 
ing school. Harvey A. Sellers was educated in the public schools of Pitts- 
burg; graduating from high school he took up the automobile business and 
became connected with the Mount Diablo Garage in 1910. Here he remained 
for three years. He then engaged in the garage business for himself in 
Kingsburg, California, where he remained for one year. In January, 1915, he 
located in Richmond, this county, and became connected with the business 
interests of this city, engaging in the automobile business. He has had a 
rapid rise, and is considered among the substantial and representative busi- 
ness men of the county. He has the agency of the well-known Dodge and 
Hudson automobiles, besides having a well-equipped and modern garage in 
connection. Fraternally, Mr. Sellers is affiliated with Richmond Lodge No. 
1251, B. P. O. E. On May 29, 1914, he was united in marriage to Miss Rose 
Ginnelli, of Richmond. Mr. Sellers' grandfather, Randolph H. Wight, 
crossed the plains in 1849 with an ox-team, taking six months to make the 
journey. He mined in and around Placervile. Returning to the East, he mar- 
ried Orpha Durfee, and the couple made the trip to the coast via Cape 
Horn. The grandfather is still living, and is now residing in Berkeley. The 
subject of this sketch is prominent in business and equally proficient in 
civic and social affairs. 

HENRY A. JOHNSTON is a man of enterprise and discrimination, and in 
the course of a long and successful business career has been connected with 
a number of important interests on the Pacific Coast. For a number of years 
he has been identified with the real-estate business of Richmond, and con- 
trols a large representative patronage. Mr. Johnston was born in Canada on 
December 5, 1862. His parents. Noble and Letitia Johnston, removed to Cal- 
ifornia in 1869 and located in Marin County. The father passed away in 1914, 
and the mother in 1871. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in 
the public schools of Sonoma County. Much credit is due him for the suc- 
cess he has made in life. He left home when a mere boy of eleven years, 
working for his board for some time, and later employed by S. W. Martin, 
near Petaluma, on a ranch. At the age of seventeen he rented Mr. Martin's 
ranch, and owing to his executive ability he made a success of the venture. 
After giving up the ranch he removed to San Diego, California, where he 
remained for two years. While a resident here he was identified with and 



526 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

handled the coke output of the San Diego Gas Company. He attended night 
school and graduated from the San Diego Business College. From San 
Diego he removed to Rio Vista, where he engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness for eight years, and in November, 1901, he disposed of his store inter- 
ests and removed to Richmond, California. Here he engaged in the real- 
estate business as agent, and later subdivided the Richmond Park Tract. He 
has developed a large business in real estate, and is one of the owners of 
the Richmond Traffic Center Tract. On December 16, 1912, he formed a co- 
partnership with Mr. Baine, and engaged in the fuel, feed, grain, and ware- 
house business. Mr. Johnston has risen steadily, and by merit only, and 
there is great credit due him for what he has achieved in the business world. 
During the pioneer days of Richmond, Mr. Johnston erected the first brick 
building on Macdonald Avenue. He is a director and stockholder in the Mer- 
chants' Bank. Fraternally, he is a member of the McKinley Lodge, F. & A. 
M., of Richmond. He was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Christie, a 
native of San Francisco, June 6, 1906. Their children are George Henry, born 
September 6, 1908, and Helen C, born October 11, 1910. Mr. Johnston has 
been actively concerned in municipal affairs of Richmond, and he is actuated 
at all times by the spirit of modern progress. 

CHARLES H. LIND, head of the De Luxe Studio in Richmond, is one of 
the well-known and representative young business men of the county. He 
was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, February 8, 1890, and is a son of Thomas 
H. and Matilda Lind. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in 
the public schools of California. After his schooling he took up the study of 
photography, and has been identified with many leading men in his chosen 
field. Mr, Lind removed to Richmond in October, 1912. He has one of the 
finest-equipped studios in the county, and he keeps in touch with the most 
advanced ideas in his chosen profession. He makes his business duties his 
first interest, and is one of the most enthusiastic and capable photographers 
in the Bay counties. Mr. Lind is affiliated with the Republican party, and 
holds membership in the Moose Lodge of Richmond. 

EDWARD HOWE HARLOW holds an important position with the Atch- 
ison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway as master mechanic, with headquarters at 
Richmond, California. There is great credit due Mr. Harlow for having at- 
tained this position, as he succeeded entirely through his own eflforts, rising 
from a humble positon as water-boy to one of foremost importance. Mr. 
Harlow was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, September i, 1856. He acquired 
his education in the public schools of Janesville and the Episcopal parish 
school. Early in life he went with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad as 
water-boy. He then entered the shops in March, 1871, to learn the mechanic's 
trade, remaining until the summer of 1873, when he was laid off on account 
of panic. He then went to Fairbury, Illnois, and secured a position as hotel 



BIOGRAPHICAL 527 

clerk. In January, 1874, he returned to West Chicago, at that time called 
Cicero, and entered the shops, later completing his trade as machinist. His 
next rise was to the position of gang foreman, and later was promoted to 
assistant roundhouse foreman, when he was transferred to Harvard, Illinois, 
where he remained until 1888. He resigned his position with the Chicago & 
Northwestern to accept a position with George Hackney, then superintend- 
ent of motor power for the Santa Fe at Chcago. Mr. Harlow was assigned 
a position at the Topeka shops as floor machinist and gang foreman; here 
he remained until September, 1888, when he was promoted to division fore- 
man at Wallace, New Mexico. In 1890 Wallace was disbanded as a division 
point and all trains were run to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Mr. Harlow 
was made general foreman of shops at Raton, New Mexico. Here he re- 
mained until April, 1891, when he was transferred to the Topeka shops, later 
resigning and accepting a position under George A. Hancock at Albuquer- 
que, July 31st, with the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad, serving as gang and gen- 
eral foreman until 1893, and in March of that year he was transferred to 
Gallup, New Mexico, as division foreman, where he remained until August, 
1900. Mr. Harlow was then made master mechanic of the Valley Division 
of the Santa Fe, with headquarters at Stockton, California. On January 
26, 1901, he removed to Richmond, resuming the duties of master mechanic. 
On February i, 1907, he was transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the 
same capacity, remaining at this point until September, 1908, when he re- 
turned to Richmond as master mechanic. In politics Mr. Harlow is a Re- 
publican. He has served on the high school board of Richmond for three 
terms. Fraternally, he is a member of the F. & A. M., chapter, commandery, 
and shrine, serving as master of his lodge for four years while a resident of 
Gallup, New Mexico, and for three years he served as grand lecturer in New 
Mexico. Mr. Harlow was married to Miss Anna Cummings, a native of 
Janesville, Wisconsin, July, 1891. Five children were born to this union: 
Philip L., Edward George, Archibald Page, and two who passed away in 
infancy. Mrs. Harlow takes an active part in Episcopal church and social 
matters of Richmond. 

WALTER B. TRULL began his independent career at an early age and his 
record since that time furnishes many splendid examples of the value of 
energy, perseverance, and resolution in the attainment of success. Mr. Trull 
was born in Brenham, Texas, September 26, 1862. His parents removed from 
the State of Illinois to Texas previous to the Civil War. His father began 
railroading and was the agent at Harrisburg, Texas, for the G. H. & H. R. R., 
and was superintendent for the C. & N. W. Ry. for many years. He died in 
1914. After the war the parents of Mr. Trull returned to Illinois, and made 
their home in West Chicago, where Walter B. Trull acquired hs education 
in the public schools. Laying aside his books, he became associated with the 
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad for a time. He then went with the Santa 



528 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Fe system, and was sent to Deming, New Mexico, where he was identified 
with the operating department. Here he remaned three years and was then 
transferred to San Bernardino, California. Like most successful railroad 
employees, he occupied various positions of importance and trust along dif- 
ferent divisions of the road, and in 1901 he was transferred to Richmond, 
Contra Costa County, where he holds the important position as agent. Mr. 
Trull has charge of this terminal on this side of the Bay, handling all the 
freight and passenger business. He has held this important position since 
1901. His long and varied experience makes him valuable to his road, and he 
is recognized as one of the most expert men in transportation matters on 
the coast. On June 16, 1890, Mr. Trull was united in marraige to Miss Carrie 
McDonald, of San Bernardino, California. To this union there have been 
two children — Muriel, born May 11, 1891, the wife of Chas. W. Claudius, of 
Oakland, California, and Laura, born May 11, 1895, wife of A. F. Rice, who is 
identified with the traffic department of the Santa Fe Railway at San Fran- 
cisco. 

RALPH DOBSON, deceased, was numbered among the representative agri- 
culturists of Contra Costa County. He was born March 16, 1862, and was a 
native of this county. His death occurred on December 8, 1915. He acquired 
his education in the public schools at San Ramon. His father, Edward Dob- 
son, was a native of Scotland. At the age of seventeen Ralph Dobson laid 
aside his school books and began ranching. He assisted on the home place 
for some years and then worked out for a time. At the age of thirty he re- 
turned home, where he always remained. He was united in marriage to 
Emma Horan, daughter of J. D. and Annie (Norris) Horan. Her father was 
a native of Missouri, and crossed the plains with his parents, taking six 
months to make the journey. Mrs. Dobson's mother crossed the plains with 
her parents, and they settled near Mission San Jose during the early days, 
when elk and other wild animals were plentiful. Mrs. Dobson's father died in 
June, 1903, and her mother passed away in November, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ralph Dobson after their marriage rented various ranches and in 1909 pur- 
chased twenty acres that was part of the home place. The subject of this 
review was affiliated with the Democratic party and served as roadmaster 
for eight years. Fraternally, he was a member of the L O. O. F., the For- 
esters, and the Native Sons. Mr. Dobson gained many friends during the 
period of his residence in the county. He was held in the highest regard by 
all who knew him, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends. 
John B. Horan, a brother of Mrs. Ralph Dobson, died August 16, 1916. There 
was one son, Edwin, born to Mr. and Mrs. Dobson on February 24, 1895, 
and he died April 23, 1916. He was educated in the public and high schools 
of San Ramon and Danville. He accepted a position after graduation as 
bookkeeper in the San Ramon Bank, which he held until his death. His 
demise caused sincere sorrow to his many friends, all of whom esteemed 



BIOGRAPHICAL 529 

him for his good qualities of character. He was courteous and obliging, and 
His genial manner won him the friendship of many in this county. 

ROBERT GARWOOD DEAN is a representative pioneer of California and 
a prominent and highly esteemed resident of Brentwood. Mr. Dean came 
early to the State, arriving in San Francisco on January 21, 1850, on the top- 
sail schooner "Francisco," direct from New York, from which port they 
sailed on July 4, 1849, passing out through the Narrows as the guns of Fort 
Hamilton were firing a national salute. The little vessel carried four pas- 
sengers beside himself, and, being a fine seaboat, brought them safely to their 
destination. Off Cape Frio, on the coast of Brazil, a terrific storm was en- 
countered that sprung the foremast and compelled them to seek refuge in 
the port of Santa Cathrini, about three hundred miles below Rio, where they 
lay about six weeks refitting. Their journey through the Straits of Magellan 
to California was without further incident. Mr. Dean went to Stockton and 
thence to the southern mines, digging his first gold on the Agua Frio. In 
the winter of 1850 he went to Bear Valley, built a log house, laid in a stock 
of provisions, and waited for rain to enable them to work the gulches. It did 
not come, but the Indians did, and flipt their arrows at them, and stole their 
mules and horses until the miners wearied of their sport and started out on 
the war-path, joining a company under Major Birney. They followed the 
Indians to the headwaters of the Fresno and defeated them in a hard fight, 
when Lieutenant Skeen was killed and several of the company wounded. 
Continuing their search for the redskins, the company went as far south as 
the Four Creeks, where they buried a number of immigrants slain by the 
Indians. One of them, who had taken refuge in a log hut, was found hanging 
to the rafters and divested of his skin. For his services in the Mariposa war 
Mr. Dean received a land-warrant from Uncle Sam and four dollars a day 
from the State. Returning to Stockton in the fall of 1851, at the solicitation 
of his uncle, Seneca Dean, who had a store on the north side of the slough, 
and who was also a justice of the peace and subsequently a member of the 
legislature from Stanislaus County, he assisted in the store for a short time. 
But store-keeping was too humdrum an occupation for the subject of our 
sketch, and on invitation of R. M. Harmer, one of General Fremont's depend- 
able adherents, who owned a ranch on the river, he went out on the Joaquin 
"just for a hunt." Finding himself among congenial spirits and fond of the 
wild life, where grizzly bear, elk, and antelope were plentiful, and a chase 
after mustangs on the back of a fleet-footed horse was a pastime, he re- 
mained until the spring of 1853, when he came into Contra Costa County. In 
the summer of 1854 Mr. Dean, after being chewed up by a grizzly, returned 
to the mines, working on the Merced and Tuolumne rivers. In 1857 he fol- 
lowed the "rush" to British Columbia, and paddled a canoe from Whatcom 
to Fort Yale on the Frazer River. Victoria was then little more than a ham- 
let, and Douglas was still the chief factor of the Hudson Bay Company. Not 



530 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

finding the mines as rich as reported, nor the climate on the Upper Frazer con- 
genial to his tastes, he returned to the Sound and spent the summer in hunt- 
ing deer for the Victoria market. Tiring of this and longing for the summer 
skies of his beloved State, Mr. Dean returned to renew his search for gold. 
Fortune smiled on him, and he might have ended his career as a miner had 
he not received a letter from his Uncle Seneca, who had then become a 
stock-raiser on the San Joaquin, as a partner of Harmer, asking him to join 
him in a stock-raising venture. He suggested the plan of taking a hundred 
head of horses from the West Side, driving them to Salt Lake and exchang- 
ing them for the foot-sore and worn-out cattle of the emigrants. It was an 
appealing scheme to a fellow whose hands were calloused with the pick and 
shovel, and therefore gleefully accepted. Mr. Dean arrived in Carson Valley 
with his horses late in the summer of 1859, too late to drive through to Salt 
Lake, and made preparations to winter them. "Stock fed and flourished on 
the wild sage and bunch-grass of the valley," they told him, but hay was 
plentiful at five dollars a ton, loose. A storm in December covered the valley 
deep in snow, and this was followed by a thaw and a freeze that continued 
for two months. The mountains were closed and the grip of the Ice King 
was terrible. The Carson River was frozen solid, and a dense bank of fog, 
excluding the sun, hung over the valley. It was like living in a refrigerator. 
The carcasses of three hundred head of American cattle on their way to 
California that had stopped there for the winter lay strewn along the river. 
The horses survived by browsing on the willows, but they fell away to skel- 
etons. Then came the report of the discovery of the great silver mines and 
a wild stampede from California. Everything went booming. Hay ran to two 
hundred and three hundred dollars a ton, flour a dollar a pound; everything 
was turned topsy turvy by the inrush. The trip to Salt Lake was abandoned. 
The opening of a wagon-road via the South Fork of the American River 
and the Old Johnson Cut-off, along which line the Overland Railroad it was 
supposed would follow, gave Dean his opportunity to go up into Lake Valley 
and locate a station. Mounted on a pair of Norwegian skis, with a pack on his 
back, he climbed the East Range of the Sierras and camped on fifteen feet of 
compact snow. The next day he was down in the valley, where there was 
only two or three feet of snow. Here he rolled the pine saplings together 
and made his location, later hewing the logs and whip-sawing the lumber for 
a two-story hotel building, which was completed and sold to William Mack, 
of Sacramento. This was afterward known as the Sierra House. William W. 
Lapham had made a location on the lake shore for a summer resort. He sold 
a two-thirds interest to Van Wagner and Seneca Dean. Lapham sold his in- 
terest to his partners, and later the property was purchased by R. G. Dean 
and J. H. Martin. The construction of the Central Pacific Railroad via Au- 
burn and north of the lake transferred the splendid run of custom for the 
roadside and the resorts until they were obliged to abandon them for want 
of support. After the expenditure of thousands of dollars and the unrequited 



BIOGRAPHICAL 531 

labor of years they went away, leaving their well-constructed and commodi- 
ous hotels standing untenanted and empty — monumental of the unpardon- 
able opposition of the toll-road owners of the Placerville route, who refused 
to enter into a satisfactory agreement with the railroad company to build 
over that route, thus driving it via Henness Pass and the Truckee — suicidal 
for themselves and disastrous to all the others. On leaving Lake Valley, Mr. 
Dean and wife went back to Carson Valley. Genoa once the county seat of 
Carson County, but now of Douglas County, had grown to a lively village, 
with a pretentious courthouse, stores, hotels, and school buildings. Mr. Dean 
was on his uppers, but far from discouraged and open for any suitable job 
that was obtainable. "Take our school," said the trustees, and he did at $125 
a month. It was new business, but his wife had the experience, and midnight 
oil did the rest. The mixed school of sixty pupils, from seven years old to 
twenty-two, had no terror for the new teacher; on the contrary, he rose to 
the occasion and the school was a success. The second year his wages were 
raised to $140 and for the third year an offer of $150 was turned down. Teach- 
ing was abandoned to accept the position of manager of a grocery store 
established by Henry Van Sickle. This was in 1867, and Mr. Dean continued 
in this occupation until 1870, when his former partner in their original loca- 
tion on Marsh Creek died and turned his possessory right over to him. This 
inducement, coupled with the poor health of Mrs. Dean in that changeable 
climate, brought him back to Contra Costa County. Our subject entered into 
the spirit of his new vocation of farming with characteristic enthusiasm. He 
remembered the motto of Poor Richard, that "He who by the plow would 
thrive, himself must either hold or drive," and, notwithstanding the dry years 
and discouragements, Mr. Dean succeeded as a farmer. But he could not be 
tied down; he aspired to larger activities, and as an agent for G. W. McNear 
he began buying grain and shipping to tide-water. In 1880, in connection with 
others, he built the warehouses at Brentwood and Byron, disposing of his in- 
terest in the same to Fish & Blum. They in turn sold to Balfour, Guthrie & 
Co., who employed Mr. Dean as their agent, and when they purchased the 
Marsh Ranch they gave Mr. Dean the added responsibility of manager and 
superintendent. Continuing in this position, Mr. Dean retired from farming 
and removed to Brentwood in 1883, residing there continuously since. In 1912 
he resigned from his agency, made an extended trip East, cured of his wan- 
derlust, weary with the years of his occupation, yet still in the vigor of man- 
hood, though wearing the finger-marks of the octogenarian. Mr. Dean and 
his wife now reside in quiet content in their cozy Brentwood cottage, an 
ideal couple. Mr. Dean is of Quaker parentage, dating back to the first 
settlers of New England. His mother was Helen Barker Dean, daughter of 
General Barker, of the New York State militia, and assigned to the staff of 
General Lafayette. He was born at Pleasant Valley, near Poughkeepsie, 
September 8, 1831. His parents moved to Michigan City in 1836, where his 
mother passed away, and he returned with his father to New York in 1840. 



532 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Six years later he was orphaned by the demise of his father, and at sixteen 
was thrown upon his own resources. He found occupation as clerk in a 
country store at the munificent salary of five dollars a month and board; 
that in two years was increased to twenty dollars, and he was engaged in 
that business when he caught the California gold fever that carried him ofif 
to the Pacific at the age of eighteen. In 1864 — January 5th — Mr. Dean was 
united in marriage with Jerusha H. Martin, daughter of Reuben Martin and 
Bethia Gowey-Martin, of East Poultney, Vt., at the then new Geary-street 
church in San Francisco, by the Rev. Thomas Starr King. Mrs. Dean came 
to California via the Isthmus in i860 and soon after accepted a position as 
teacher in the public schools of San Francisco, where she was engaged up 
to the date of her marriage. In 1865 they moved from the Lake House to 
Genoa, Nevada, where with his varied occupations, including two years' 
service as county superintendent of schools, teaching, and store-keeping, 
besides shying his castor into the political ring for State senator (that he 
only lacked five votes of getting), Mr. Dean left the battle-born State for 
sunny California and Contra Costa County, wherein his activities and his 
record are so far completed — by his election as president of the Bank of 
Brentwood, a position that he still retains. 

HENRY BRUNS is numbered among the substantial and progressive ranch- 
ers in eastern Contra Costa County. He was born in Germany on August 
28, 1853, the son of John and Geshe Bruns. The parents had eight children, 
two girls and six boys. Henry, the subject of this review, was educated in 
the old country. After school he worked out for a time. In 1875 he came to 
America and located in New York City, where he found work for two years. 
In 1877 he came to San Francisco and worked at various vocations. In 1880 
he went to the San Joaquin Valley and rented one hundred acres, following 
general farming for over two years. He removed to the Bethany district and 
farmed for two years. He then ranched near Haywards for a time. Later he 
located in the Mountain House section for three years. In the fall of 1891 
he removed to eastern Contra Costa County and rented six hundred and 
forty acres from the McLaughlin estate, operating this place for two years. 
He then bought his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres four miles 
from Byron. Mr. Bruns was married on November 12, 1886, to Ida Helena 
Lindeman, a native of Germany. She came to America in 1882. Two sons 
and two daughters were born to them. The elder daughter, Bertha is the 
wife of John Hensen, of Patterson, California. William married Lottie A. 
Petterson, and they have one daughter. Henry married Martha Mehrtens, 
and they have one daughter. Helena, the younger daughter of Mr. Bruns' 
family, resides at home. 

CHARLES A. FRENCH serves in a creditable and able manner as post- 
master of Brentwood. He was born in Tennessee on October 29, 1875, the 



BIOGRAPHICAL 533 

son of Peter and Malinda French, both natives of Tennessee. His father 
died in 1902, and his mother passed away in 1909. The grandfather of Mr. 
French was one of the highly respected pioneers of Knox County, Tennes- 
see. The subject of this review acquired his education in the public schools 
of his native State, after which he attended college. In May, 1903, he came 
west and settled in Brentwood, California. He found employment on a ranch 
with Mr. Grigsby for a time, after which he bought a lease on the Marsh 
grant. He continued farming for two years. In the fall of 1905 he removed 
to Antioch, where he farmed for one year. He then took up his abode in 
Knightsen, where he farmed, and later removed to Brentwood again, where 
he followed agricultural pursuits for three years. He entered the mercantile 
business, and owing to his ability he managed the general store for R. E. 
LaMoine & Co. for two years. He has been associated with the East Contra 
Costa Mercantile Company since its incorporation. Mr. French was ap- 
pointed postmaster in 1915. He was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Anna 
LaMoine on October 18, 1905. There have been two children to this union — 
Bertha Anna, born May 15, 1909, and Floy Elsa, born August 21, 1912. Mr. 
French gives his political allegiance to the Republican party. He enjoys a 
reputation as a reliable business man and has served on the high-school 
board for a period of four years, and on the grammar-school board for two 
years. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Foresters, 
and locally he can be depended upon to co-operate in all movements that 
tend to the upbuilding and substantial improvement of his town. 

FREDERICK MELBOURNE HOLWAY is recognized as one of the 
staunch and enterprising pioneers of Contra Costa County. He was born 
in Somersetshire, England, May 12, 1856, the son of John and Anna Hol- 
way. He received a limited education in the old country and came to Amer- 
ica in 1872, locating in Chicago. He acquired his start in life in the hotel 
business in Chicago, and while a resident there determined to have a better 
education and attended the public schools for a time. In 1874 Mr. Holway 
determined to cast his lot with the West and started for Colorado, where he 
remained about one year. In July, 1875, he landed in San Francisco, where 
he learned the barber trade, and in connection followed the restaurant and 
hotel business. In 1878 he came to Contra Costa County, locating at Point 
of Timber for a time, removing to Byron in the spring of 1878. In 1878 Mr. 
Holway established the Hotel Byron, the leading hotel in that section until 
it was burned in 1884. The same year he erected the present hotel, disposing 
of it in 1891. In 1883 he established his present business, which he has since 
continued. On May 12, 1883, he was married to Emma Luhrsen, a native of 
San Francisco, of German parentage. To this union were born ten children — 
Eva (wife of Lee Acrey of Byron), Percy M. (of Oakland), Raymond F. (of 
Oakland), Herman (of Byron), Viola, Irene, Geraldine, Martha, and Alvira. 
Aurora died at the age of eighteen months. Mr. Holway is a Republican, 



534 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



and has always taken a keen interest in his party. He is now serving on the 
Byron school board as trustee. Fraternally, he is a member of the Odd 
Fellows lodge of Byron, and has the distinction of filling all the chairs in 
his order. He has served as a delegate to the grand lodge that convened at 
San Diego in May, 1916. Mr. Holway's loving wife passed away on April 3, 
1912. She was of a kind and genial nature and had hosts of staunch friends, 
and her death was mourned sincerely. Mr. Holway came to this section 
previous to the starting of the town, and tells of shooting geese where 
Byron is now located. He therefore is the oldest living male resident of 
Byron. He has at all times shown a spirit of progressiveness, and has aided 
in every way and done his share in the upbuilding of this section, 

FRANK CABRAL.— The substantial and well-to-do citizens of Byron, Cali- 
fornia, have no better representative than Frank Cabral, who occupies a 
noteworthy position among the thriving and progressive men of this section. 
He has been actively engaged in the sheep business for years. He has like- 
wise been occupied in agricultural pursuits, and owns one of the finest 
farms in Contra Costa County. He was born in San Maria, Azores Islands, 
a Portuguese possession, where he received his education. Mr. Cabral came 
to America and direct to Contra Costa County thirty-seven years ago. For 
five years he worked out, after which he purchased fifty acres, and the care 
and attention he exercised in the management of his place place it among 
the most valuable in his vicinity. He has run as high as eight thousand 
sheep, and has engaged in the cattle business on a large scale. Fraternally, 
Mr. Cabral is affiliated with the I. D. E. S. and the U. P. E. C. societies. He 
was married on May 18, 1893, to Mary Rodgers of Alameda County. To this 
union have been born four children. Stanley, the elder son, was united in 
wedlock to Miss Bessie Sanders, of Brentwood; Mae is the wife of F. Lewis, 
in mercantile business in Byron; Frank, Jr., and Rose are attending school. 
Mr. Cabral has richly deserved whatever success has come to him, for he 
now holds a prominent position in the financial world. Mr. and Mrs. Cabral 
have a host of friends in eastern Contra Costa County. 

CHARLES B. WIGHTMAN.— Thoroughly identified with the growth and 
industrial prosperity of Byron is Charles B. Wightman, who takes an abid- 
ing interest in all that concerns the town's welfare and progress. He was 
born in Antioch November 7, 1882. He acquired his education in the public 
schools of Antioch and Oakley. His father, Joel D. Wightman, was one of 
the highly esteemed citizens of Contra Costa County. The parents of Joel 
D, Wightman were among the pioneers who crossed the plains during the 
gold rush, and he was born on a "prairie schooner" en route. Joel D. Wight- 
man was active in politics, serving on the board of supervisors, being chair- 
man of the board when the new courthouse was erected in Martinez. In the 
parents' family there were nine children. Charles B. Wightman, the subject 



BIOGRAPHICAL 535 

of this sketch, learned the carpenter trade and followed this vocation for a 
period of twelve years. In 1909 he and his brother Percy engaged in the 
garage business in Byron, having one of the most modern establishments of 
its kind in Contra Costa County. Mr. Wightman was united in marriage to 
Miss Beatrice Wisdom on August 9, 1906. To this union were born two 
children, Sadie and Erma. Politically, he is a Democrat, but he has never 
aspired to office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Woodmen of the World 
and holds membership in the Native Sons. Percy Wightman was born in 
Antioch May 18, 1890, and received his education in the public schools of 
that place. Laying aside his books, he found employment on the river for a 
time, and later learned the machinist's trade, which he followed until he 
came to Antioch to engage in the garage and automobile business. He was 
married to Miss Mabel Campbell, a native of Byron, on February 16, 1916, 

JOHN H. TRYTHALL.— Among the representative men of Contra Costa 
County, and among the most honored and public-spirited citizens of the 
eastern part of the county, the name of John H. Trythall occupies the posi- 
tion of pre-eminence. He has been conspicuously identified with the good 
roads movement since his election to office as supervisor in 1914, and has 
the distinction of building the first piece of concrete road in Contra Costa 
County. He is regarded as a citizen of more than odinary importance, for 
he thoroughly interests himself in questions concerning the welfare of the 
county, and has brought about results and great benefits in behalf of the 
people of the entire section. Mr. Trythall's birth occurred in Cornwall, Eng- 
land, July 26, 1852. He acquired his education in the schools of his native 
land, and at the age of eighteen he came to America, settling in New Jersey 
for a time. He took up the vocation of mining in Pennsylvania, Illinois, 
Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, Wyoming, and Nevada. In 1876 he came to 
Contra Costa County and found employment at the Judson Mines, where 
he remained for a time. He then went to British Columbia and Alaska. In 
1879 he returned to this State and worked in the Knoxville quicksilver mines 
at Napa for one year. Following this he worked in the Belshaw coal mines, 
and then removed to Arizona. In June, 1884, he returned to Contra Costa 
County and acted as foreman and superintendent of the Pittsburg Coal 
Mine. This position he held for twelve years. Mr. Trythall then purchased 
twenty acres of land near Antioch and set out an orchard, which has been 
brought up to a high state of cultivation. He was twice married, the first 
union being to Priscilla Jones, deceased, a native of New York State. To 
this union were Raymond Henry, born June 2, 1884, and Helen Johannah, 
born April 16, 1889. The second marriage was to Ida Von Baum, a native 
of Napa, California. To this union a daughter, Hilda, was born September 
16, 1904. Fraternally, Mr. Trythall is a Mason, being past master of Contra 
Costa Lodge, F. & A. M., and of Antioch Chapter No. 65, R. A. M. He was 
identified with the Odd Fellows of Somersville until the lodge was dis- 



536 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

banded, having passed all the chairs. He also holds membership in the 
Eagle lodge of Antioch. His political affiliations are with the Republican 
party. He was elected by the people of Contra Costa County to represent 
them as their supervisor in 1904, and he has held that office continuously 
since. He has always taken an active part in educational matters, and has 
served as trustee for many years in the Antioch district. While a resident of 
Somersville he served in the same capacity for nine years. 

HENRY VAN TIENEN JANSSE, one of the successful and prominent 
business men of eastern Contra Costa County, was born in Holland on 
September 4, 1878. His parents died in the old country when Henry was 
young. At the age of seventeen he began his independent career and came 
to America. He at once came to California and located in Santa Cruz, where 
his brother Arie was already living, but later removed to San Jose, where 
he is now engaged in the real-estate business. His brother Dirk is identified 
with Sloan & Co. of San Francisco; Peter, another brother, is in Santa 
Cruz County; and his brother John is a traveling salesman. The subject of 
this review received a limited education in the public schools, after which 
he attended business college in Santa Cruz. He understood farming in prin- 
ciple and detail and he readily found employment. Later he became asso- 
ciated with Silva & Omeara, of Oakley, in the grocery business, and after 
two years he purchased the interest of Mr. Silva. In June, 1914, Mr. Jansse 
and his partner purchased the general store of R. E. La Moine & Co., of 
Brentwood, and incorporated both stores under the name of East Contra 
Costa Mercantile Company. Politically, Mr. Jansse is a Republican. Frater- 
nally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge of Brentwood, and he is also a 
member of the Foresters. He was united in marriage to Johanna Agneta 
Rost Van Tonningen, a native of Holland, December 12, 1901. To this union 
there are three children — Helen, born January 22, 1906; Leonard, born Oc- 
tober ID, 1909; Bernard, born February 14, 1911. The family are members of 
the Dutch Reformed Church of San Francisco. Mr. Jansse in his business 
has followed the policy of absolute integrity; his company has always lived 
up to the letter of all agreements, and this policy has won for it increased 
customers in both stores. Consequently, the company's standing is of the 
best, and its members are considered among the representative business 
men of eastern Contra Costa County. 

GEORGE H. SHAFER is one of the representative business men of east- 
ern Contra Costa County. He was born in Rio Vista, California, February 
26, 1866. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Pierce) Shafer. His father 
was a native of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, who came west via Cape 
Horn about 1855. Mr. Shafer's mother crossed the plains in 1852 with her 
parents. In the parents' family there were five children, all living — Adrian 
H., a rancher, residing in Brentwood; Mabel, wife of George Geddes, of 



BIOGRAPHICAL 537 

Byron; Winifred, wife of M. Preston, of Byron; Hannah, and the subject of 
this sketch. Mr. Shafer's father died on April 10, 1915. He was one of the 
early river men on the Sacramento. He later became identified with the 
stock business and ranched on a large scale, owning five hundred and eighty 
acres. He was one of the agriculturalists of this county who brought about 
personal success by application and industry, giving thought, time, and at- 
tention to the cultivation of his land. Mr. Shafer was active in politics, but 
never aspired to public office. He was on many occasions a delegate to the 
county conventions. He was a great temperance worker, and did much to 
further the cause. George H. Shafer acquired his education in the Eden 
Plain School District, near Brentwood. He attended the Stockton Normal 
and Business College. Finishing his education he returned to Brentwood 
and engaged in the livery business. He was elected constable in 1888, and 
held this office to the satisfaction of the people continuously, with the ex- 
ception of four years, when he did not run for the office, owing to other 
matters that occupied his time. He was appointed by W. C. Rogers in 1888 
as deputy sheriflf. He gives his political support to the Republican party. In 
1905 Mr. Shafer engaged in the undertaking business and served as deputy 
coroner under Doctor C. L. Abbott, of Richmond. Fraternally, he is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic lodge of Brentwood, the Foresters, the Odd Fellows of 
Byron, and the I, D. E. S. of Oakley. Mr. Shafer was united in marriage 
to Martha C. Bainbridge, of Stockton, August 20, 1888. She was a daughter 
of Doctor J. A, Bainbridge, whose death occurred in 1914. Mr. and Mrs. 
Shafer have onq son. Earl B., born May 19, 1890, who is now in the employ 
of the People's Water Company as surveyor. Mrs. Shafer is an active mem- 
ber of the Eastern Star and also holds membership in Companion Court 
Sister Lodge of Foresters. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have gained an extensive 
circle of friends and acquaintances in eastern Contra Costa County. 

CHARLES THOMAS SHELLENBERGER, a rancher for many years in 
eastern Contra Costa County, is a man who occupies a prominent place 
among the representative and highly esteemed men of that locality. He was 
born in Illinois on January 29, 1868, and is a son of John Shellenberger, who 
was numbered among the prominent men of Mackinaw, Illinois, and who 
served for many years as justice of the peace in his locality. In 1889 Charles 
T. Shellenberger removed to California. He worked out for a time, and 
later bought forty acres in Deer Valley. He afterward purchased the ad- 
joining two hundred acres, part of which was known as the Woodhall 
Smith place. He has always carried on general farming. He is a man of in- 
dustry and activity, and by wise judgment and forethought has accumu- 
lated a competency. Mr. Shellenberger was united in marriage to Miss 
Louisa Heidorn on October 17, 1894, and to this union there have been four 
children — Emma Charlotte, born November 17, 1897; Frank Rattan, born 
March 20, 1899; Charles Thomas, Jr., born June 3, 1902; Henry Heidorn, 



538 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

born July 6, 1910. Politically, Mr. Shellenberger is a Progressive. He has 
served on the Deer Valley school board for many years. Fraternally, he is 
affiliated with the Masonic lodge and the Foresters of Brentwood. His 
mother, Elizabeth (Sargent) Shellenberger, was born March 19, 1834, and 
died August 21, 1876. His parents were married March 3, 1853, and had ten 
children. His father was born January 14, 1824, and died January 30, 1905. 
Charles T. Shellenberger made his home in Deer Valley until 1908, when 
he removed to the Lone Tree section, where he occupies the home formerly 
known as the Darby place. 

LEE DURHAM is a man who has by his own energy, ambition, and enter- 
prise worked his way upward to a place among the representative men of 
eastern Contra Costa County. Mr. Durham was born near Concord, Contra 
Costa County, April 15, 1873. He acquired his education in the public schools 
of Concord, after which he took a business course. He became identified 
with the Bank of Antioch, where he remained for a period of ten years as 
assistant cashier. He then went to Martinez and was connected with the 
Bank of Martinez as assistant cashier for ten years. A spirit of progress has 
actuated him in all he has done, and success along banking lines has at- 
tended his well-directed labors, so that he stands today one of the practical 
men of eastern Contra Costa County. When the Bank of Brentwood was 
organized, Mr. Durham was chosen as cashier and secretary, and has done 
much in making this bank a success. He was united in marriage on June 
29, 1904, to Miss Alice L. Joslin, a daughter of S. B. and Mary Joslin. Mrs. 
Durham's father was one of the pioneer settlers in Antioch, dying there in 
1902. Fraternally, Mr. Durham is affiliated with the Masonic lodge of An- 
tioch, and both he and his wife hold a membership in the Eastern Star. Mr. 
Durham is a member of Mount Diablo Parlor of the Native Sons of An- 
tioch. Politically, he is registered as a Progressive. In all official and social 
relations Mr. Durham adheres to high ideals and has the confidence and 
regard of the entire community, and his circle of friends is constantly in- 
creasing. 

JAMES O'HARA. — Numbered among the representative and well-known 
fruitmen of eastern Contra Costa County was James O'Hara, deceased. He 
established a reputation as one of the substantial and progressive men of 
the county. He was a native of Bangor, Maine, and was born on November 
8, 1840, the son of Henry and Ann O'Hara, both natives of Ireland. His par- 
ents came to America in the early days, locating in Bangor, where his father 
followed farming. James received his education in the public schools of Ban- 
gor. He worked on his father's farm until he reached the age of eighteen, 
when he left home and traveled through the Southern States. In i860 he 
came to California and settled in Contra Costa County, where he found em- 
ployment at farming and dairying. In 1887 he bought one hundred and sixty 



BIOGRAPHICAL 539 

acres and later purchased six hundred and forty acres near Oakley at five 
dollars an acre. When he located here it was covered with chaparral, and 
thousands of rabbits were on his land. He cleared five sections of land, and 
established an almond orchard of eighty acres, afterward adding to this to 
the extent of one hundred and sixty acres of fruit and nuts, at the home 
place. Mr. O'Hara spent many happy and profitable years up to the time of 
his death, which occurred on September 9, 1912, his able and enterprising 
sons succeeding to the management of the ranch. Mr. O'Hara sold the 
land where Oakley is located, afterward buying back eighteen acres, which 
he subdivided and put on the O'Hara addition to Oakley. In politics he was 
a Democrat, and did much along party lines, although he never aspired to 
public office. Mr. O'Hara possessed great energy, and did more for Oakley 
and surrounding country than any other man, and at the time of his death 
he owned seven hundred acres. On April 15, 1885, Mr. O'Hara was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary Hickey, a native of Massachusetts, who lived in the 
Berkshire Hills. Her parents were James and Catherine Hickey. Mr. and 
Mrs. O'Hara were the parents of four children — William J., born March 21, 
1886; Anna C, born December 6, 1888; Elwin L., born February 15, 1890; 
Charles E., born September 2^, 1893. Charles E. graduated from the Univer- 
sity of California in May, 1916. He is now at Manila, Philippine Islands, and 
identified with Calamba Sugar Estate. The family are members of the Cath- 
olic church of Oakley. 

WILLIAM C. WILLIAMSON. — Prominent among the more active, enter- 
prising, and influential citizens of eastern Contra Costa County may be 
mentioned William C. Williamson, who has been identified with the agri- 
cultural pursuits of this county for many years. He was born in Taney 
County, Missouri, October 27, 1858, the son of Jesse and Ann (Stallcup) 
Williamson, who were the parents of seven children. At the age of twenty, 
Mr. Williamson went to Mendocino County and found employment with 
the Caspar Lumber Company for nearly two years. Returning to Missouri, 
he spent over six years farming, and in 1888 he returned to California and 
rented the Shannon ranch in eastern Contra Costa County. Mr. Williamson 
was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Shannon, who died in 1907. To this 
union were born seven children — Nellie (wife of Joseph Lynch, of San 
Francisco), William, John C, Aubry, Mabel, Frances, and Leslie. Aubry 
has the distinction of being one of twenty-four boys in California to receive 
a prize from the State Agricultural College at Davis for the best acre of 
corn grown. Aubry raised on one acre of his father's ranch ninety-eight 
and a half bushels of corn, winning a trip throughout the United States, 
with all expenses paid by the Davis Agricultural School. Mr. Williamson has 
five hundred and forty acres in one ranch, and twenty-four in another. 
After an arduous effort, he has brought his ranch land into condition for 
profitable crops. He carries on general farming. Politically, Mr. Willamson 
is a Democrat. He has served on the local school board for twenty-six 



540 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



years. He is also a director of the First National Bank of Antioch. Frater- 
nally, he is a member of the Masonic lodge of Brentwood, the I. O. O. F. 
of Antioch for the past twenty-five years, and the Maccabees lodge. He is 
always ready and can be relied upon to promote public-spirited plans and 
projects, and it has been his aim to promote the good-roads movement in 
the county. 

JOSEPH G. PREWETT. — A man of progressive and enterprising ideas 
and methods, Joseph G. Prewett has made a success of his chosen occupa- 
ton since coming to Contra Costa County. He is a prominent member of 
the agricultural community, and has brought about his success by application 
and industry. He was born in Illinois on August 7, 1861. His parents re- 
moved to Missouri when he was quite young, and he received his education 
in the district schools of that State. Laying aside his books, he worked 
out for a time at farming, after which he found employment in the mines 
at Joplin, Missouri, for two years. In 1884, he came to California, landing 
here on June 22d. He rented land in 1885, which he improved and cultivated 
for some years, and the first place he purchased was a large portion of the 
P. O'Brien homestead, consisting of two hundred and seventy acres. He has 
constantly added to his holdings until he now owns fifteen hundred and 
seventy acres. His attention is devoted to general farming and stock-raising. 
Mr. Prewett was united in marraige to Miss Ellen O'Brien on November 
13, 1899. Their children are three — Edward, born March 16, 1891; Raymond, 
born May 19, 1897; Harold, born June 13, 1904. Politically, Mr. Prewett is 
affiliated with the Democratic party. He has served for some years on the 
high-school board at Brentwood, and is a member of the Lone Tree school 
board. He is vice-president of the First National Bank of Antioch and a 
director. He is president of the Antioch Warehouse Association, and presi- 
dent of the Oakley Horse Breeders' Association and the Brentwood Horse 
Breeders' Association. He also serves as president of the Lone Tree Tele- 
phone Company, a new line among the agriculturists in eastern Contra 
Costa County. Mr. Prewett has recently erected one of the most imposing 
residences in the county. He has taken a prominent place among the good- 
roads advocates of the county and has done much to further that interest 
by giving his excellent views. He has done much in the promotion of every 
worthy cause that will be of a material benefit to eastern Contra Costa 
County. 

FRANK W. FOSKETT.— One of the most able, progressive and enterpris- 
ing business men in public life in Contra Costa County is Frank W. Foskett, 
president of the First National Bank of Concord. It has often been said that 
the banks of a community are a fair index of its commercial, industrial, and 
financial prosperity. Especially is this true of the First National Bank of 
Concord, which dates its origin from March, 191 1. The institution was 



BIOGRAPHICAL 541 

founded on a policy of progressiveness and conservatism, and this has been 
adhered to steadily, the result being seen in the excellent condition of the 
bank, which is today one of the leading financial enterprises in the county. 
Frank W. Foskett was born in Franklin County, Massachusetts, November 
21, 1859. He is a son of John and Nancy (Stone) Foskett. His father was a 
native of Massachusets, while his mother was born in New Hampshire. Mr. 
Foskett was educated in the public schools of Massachusetts. At an early 
age he came to Pittsburg, California, where he engaged in the butcher busi- 
ness with Mr. Elworthy. In 1885 the firm removed to Concord, and in Sep- 
tember of that year purchased the store of William Hawes, and operated 
stores in Pittsburg and Concord, and in 1911 the firm purchased the store of 
Arthur Williams, of Walnut Creek, making a chain of three stores which 
was successfully operated by the firm. Also the firm held large land inter- 
ests, and in 1911 they disposed of four thousand acres to the R. N. Burgess 
Company, at that time selling the wholesale and retal meat business. The 
firm of Foskett & Elworthy displayed sound judgment in the management 
of their business interests, and through their persistence of purpose won 
gratifying success in the business and financial world. The firm erected the 
finest business block and bank building in Concord, which would be a credit 
to the larger cities of the Bay region. Mr. Foskett has served as trustee on 
the grammar-school and high-school boards, and gives his political support 
to the Republican party. He has served as treasurer of the town since it 
started. He was united in marriage to Alice L. Duncalf, a native of Canada, 
September 16, 1885. To this union have been born four children — Clifford 
John, Ethel Mae, Walter William, and Raymond Albert. Mr. Foskett is re- 
garded as a reliable, far-sighted, and progressive business man. He has been 
a leading factor in the development and upbuilding of the town of Concord. 
He has one of the most imposing residences in the county, which is an evi- 
dence of the excellent results which he has achieved in a financial way. 

HENRY A. NELSON. — Among the Native Sons of California, pominent 
mention shoud be made of Henry A. Nelson, postmaster at Oakley. He was 
born in Stockton December 13, 1874, the son of Henry A. and Ellen (Crane) 
Nelson. His father was a native of New Hampshire, while his mother was 
born in Vermont. His father passed away in 1898, and his mother died in 
October, 1914. When Henry A. Nelson was but five years of age his par- 
ents removed to and located in Berkeley, where Henry A. received his edu- 
cation in the public and high schools of that place. Finishing his education, 
he entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Company, and was identi- 
fied with the train service for a period of seven years. In 1902 he went to 
Mexico, where he followed mining engineering for over four years. He 
located in Oakley in 1907, and followed ranching for four years. During 
President Taft's administration he was appointed postmaster at Oakley, and 
again received the same office under Wilson's administration. The leading 



542 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

factor in the success of Mr. Nelson's holding office is faithfulness, integrity, 
and strict attention to details, and he has won for himself a reputation for 
business ability. Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Lucy E. Holden, 
a native of San Francisco, March 29, 1896. To this union there have been 
three children — Jessie Viola, died at the age of four, in Mexico; Roland P., 
born February 19, 1906; Marion E., born March 3, 1909. Mrs. Nelson passed 
away on May 26, 1916. Her death was mourned by a wide circle of friends. 
Fraternally, Mr. Nelson is associated with the Masonic lodge of Brentwood 
and holds membership in the I. D. E. S. He has six and a half acres of land 
adjoining the town of Oakley. 

ANDREW WALKER, deceased, was numbered throughout the eastern 
part of Contra Costa County as a pioneer of staunch and enterprising spirit, 
and one who gave no little of a useful life to the upbuilding of the best in- 
terests of his adopted locality. He was born in Scotland, December 29, 1832, 
the second son, and at an early age went to sea, which vocation he followed 
some years and made several trips around the world. He was comparatively 
young when he decided to cast his lot with the Golden State and located in 
San Francisco. He worked for Moore & Folger, wholesale merchants, for 
some time, after which he engaged with the Russian Consul in the whole- 
sale and retail grocery business. Previous to this time Mr. Walker opened 
a hay and grain business for a time. While engaged in the grocery trade Mr. 
Walker made two trips to St. Petersburg. He sailed from San Francisco, 
stopped at the Sandwich Islands, went to Japan, crossed the Ural Moun- 
tains, and thence via Siberia into St. Petersburg. In 1868 Mr. Walker dis- 
posed of his business in San Francisco. Previous to selling out his business 
in San Francisco he purchased a ranch four miles from Berkeley, known as 
the San Pablo Creek ranch, and in 1873 he purchased four hundred acres in 
the swamp where Oakley is located. This place was very difficult to clear, 
as it was all chaparral. He was successful beyond the expectations of all his 
friends, and cleared the land and raised large crops of grain, alfalfa, and 
hay. He increased his holdings, and in 1887 he purchased the Babbe ranch 
of two hundred acres. In January, 1893, he disposed of the latter place. He 
purchased the Foreman place of seven hundred acres, and in 1887 sold to 
B. F. Porter, of San Francisco. Mr. Walker continued to run the four-hun- 
dred-acre ranch until November, 1905, when he disposed of his holdings to 
the California Canners' Association. Mr. Walker was married to Rhobe 
Anna Andrews, a native of Clinton, Louisiana, a daughter of Judge Thomas 
L. Andrews. To this union were born four children — Harriet M., wife of 
Henry Farnum (deceased), whose son, Lancelot, is station agent at Fel- 
lows, California; Robert Richmond Walker, who died in 1864; Arthur Merrill 
Walker, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and died in 1869; Andrew 
Lathrop Walker, an orchardist of Oakley. Andrew Walker gave his political 
support to the Republican party. His death occurred on January 15, 1906. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 543 

CLAUDE R. LEECH, M. D.— Noteworthy among the able and skillful 
physicians of Contra Costa County is Doctor Claude R. Leech, who during 
his twenty years of residence in Walnut Creek has built up an excellent 
practice. He was born in Pennsylvania, September 8, 1868, his parents being 
Thomas and Margaret (Reznor) Leech. Doctor Leech's father was one of 
the representative agriculturists in his locality, and his death occurred in 
1884. His mother died in 1906. There were seven children born in the par- 
ents' family. At the age of seventeen, Dr. Leech came to California. He ac- 
quired his education in the public and high schools of Oakland, after which 
he attended the University of California and the Cooper Medical Institute, 
graduating from the medical class of the latter in 1894. In 1895 .he began the 
practice of his profession in Oakland with gratifying success. In 1897 he re- 
moved to Walnut Creek, where he has since remained. Doctor Leech is a 
stalwart Republican. He has served on the Walnut Creek school board for 
a number of years. He is health officer in Walnut Creek, holding this office 
for some years. His study and research work has been a decided help to 
humanity in the prevention of disease in this locality. He is a member of 
the county and State medical societies. On February 9, 1896, Doctor Leech 
was united in marriage to Miss Eva Berry, a native of Minnesota. Fraternally, 
Doctor Leech is a member of the Masonic lodge of Walnut Creek and is 
loyal to its teachings, which he exemplifies in his life. In matters of citizen- 
ship he manifests a progressive and public-spirited interest. His profes- 
sional duties are constantly growing in volume and importance. Mrs. Leech 
is an active member of the Eastern Star. 

BRUCE W. STONE is a well-known and successful agriculturist of Contra 
Costa County. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, December 14, 1840. He 
is a son of John and Matilda Stone. Both are natives of New England. His 
father was a successful contractor and builder, after which he followed 
farming and resided at Portage, Michigan. Mr. Stone's father came to Cali- 
fornia in 1865 and located in Green Valley with his son-in-law, William Z. 
Stone. Mr. Stone's father died in Green Valley in 1866, and was buried in 
the Alhambra Cemetery. Mr. Stone's mother died in 1870, and was buried 
in the same cemetery. Bruce W. Stone acquired his education in Michigan. 
At the age of twenty he came to California and followed mining until 1869, 
when he bought two hundred and nineteen acres of land in Green Valley, 
Contra Costa County. He has since been identified with the farming and 
stock interests of the county. Mr. Stone was one of the first to go to Alaska, 
and has the distinction of raising the first American flag at Sitka, where he 
was identified with the quartermaster's department. Mr. Stone was in the 
Government service, and was sent to Alaska to take possession of Alaska, 
which was transferred by Russia. Sitka was the capital at that time, and Mr. 
Stone spent two years in that country. Previous to going to Alaska he went 
to Central America and followed mining. He was shipwrecked on the 



544 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Alaskan Coast, at Cook's Inlet, and was compelled to live with the Indians 
for a period of three months, and during this time never saw a white man. 
Mr. Stone was married on September 20, 1875, to Lydia M. Lattimore, a na- 
tive of Ohio. He then removed to Illinois and Michigan, and later came to 
California. Mr. and Mrs. Stone have two adopted sons, Ben W., a resident 
of Niles, and Arthur F., who resides at Richmond. Mr. Stone has cast his 
vote in Contra Costa County since i860. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. 
and the Grange. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are affiliated with the Rebekah lodge. 
Mr. Stone was the instigator and worked hard for the Danville Fraternal 
and Social Hall Association, and has served as president since its organi- 
zation. The building cost ten thousand dollars, and the Odd Fellows and 
the Grange are equal owners in this modern building. Mr. Stone disposed 
of his ranch holdings in 1912, and has since retired. Mr. and Mrs. Stone are 
held in highest regard in Contra Costa County, and they have won the trust 
and good-will of all by reason of their pleasant personalities. 

FRANK STEVENS COOK, M. D., who has been actively engaged in prac- 
tice as physician and surgeon at Brentwood, Contra Costa County, for the 
past eleven years, is an able and representative member of the medical pro- 
fession. He was born in Walla Walla, Washington, July 22, 1865. He was 
educated in the public schools of that place and received his high-school 
work in Prescott, Arizona, where his parents removed in 1876. He gradu- 
ated from the medical department of the University of California with the 
class of 1887, following which he spent one year in the City and County 
Hospital of San Francisco as house physician and surgeon. Locating in San 
Francisco, he followed his profession until the summer of 1898, when he re- 
moved to Crockett, this county, where he spent two years, when he accepted 
an appointment with a large mining and smelting company in Durango, 
Mexico, spending four years in that country. During an epidemic of bubonic 
plague the Mexican Government called upon him for his services, the work 
being so strenuous that his health failed, compelling his return to California, 
where he spent some time in the mountains of Madera County recuperat- 
ing, after which he returned to San Francisco and resumed practice in 1905. 
He passed through the earthquake and conflagration of that city in 1906, 
where with one other doctor (Armisted) he had charge of the refugee camp 
at the foot of Third Street. His work in the hygienizing of the camp of five 
thousand received commendable mention from Colonel Toner of the United 
States Army. He is a member of the Contra Costa County Medical Society, 
and also of the Medical Society of the State of California, He is a member 
of several fraternal orders, Masonic, I. O. O. F., K. of P., W. O. W., and 
F. O. E. In politics he is a Republican and takes an active interest in the 
party. 

ROBERT HARKINSON. — Among the strong financial institutions of Con- 
tra Costa County is the Bank of Antioch, and among the bankers of prom- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 545 

inence in that city is Robert Harkinson, who as cashier has done much to- 
ward securing for his institution the foremost position in banking circles 
that it now occupies. His banking experiences extend over many years, and 
he has since 1891 been connected with that institution. Mr. Harkinson was 
born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Charles and Katherine 
(Schmale) Harkinson. He received his education in the public schools of 
Philadelphia. In 1874 he came to California and at the age of nineteen be- 
came identified with the Bank of Dixon, California. He remained with this 
bank until 1883, when he went to San Luis Obispo, where he served with 
the Bank of San Luis Obispo until 1891, when he accepted a position as 
cashier of the Bank af Antioch, and still holds this position. He is careful, 
painstaking, and systematic, and, as a student of human nature and condi- 
tions, seldom has made an error in extending credit or making investments. 
The institution of which he is cashier has greatly prospered through his 
efforts, and he is readily conceded to be among the able and well-informed 
men in his line of work in the county. Mr. Harkinson was united in mar- 
riage to Alice E. Brinkerhoff, a native of California. To this union was born 
Maud Bernice, wife of D. M. Roberts, of Berkeley, California. Mr. Harkin- 
son is held in high regard by his business associates, by reason of his en- 
terprise, integrity, and sterling personal worth. 

HON. WILLIAM R. SHARKEY.— One of the most highly esteemed and 
deservedly respected citizens of Contra Costa County is William R. Shar- 
key, State senator from the ninth district, comprising Contra Costa and 
Marin counties. Senator Sharkey was born in Sierra County, June 6, 1876, 
the son of Richard and Mary Sharkey. He acquired his education in the 
public schools, after which he took up the printing trade and became iden- 
tified with the Sierra County Tribune for a time. He then removed to Sier- 
raville and for over a year was connected with the Mountain Mirror, dis- 
charging his duties in a manner that commended him to his employer and 
to those working with him. He then removed to Lassen County and worked 
on the Amadee Geyser for a time, when he returned to Sierraville and ac- 
cepted a position on the Sierra Valley Leader, remaining there for a year. 
He resigned, owing to his health, and rode the range. In 1896 Mr. Sharkey 
resumed his newspaper work and became associated with the Sierra County 
Enterprise at Downieville, and in 1899 he purchased the Sierra Valley 
Record, which he operated until 1902, when he disposed of his paper and 
accepted a position as coast manager for the Calkins Newspaper Syndicate. 
In 1903 Senator Sharkey was made city editor of the Morning Miner, at Ne- 
vada City, and in the fall of 1905 he removed to Reno, Nevada, where he 
opened an office for the Calkins Newspaper Syndicate and represented the 
Orchard and Farm and the PaciHc Miner, both Calkins publications. On April 
I, 1906, he became manager of the Contra Costa Standard, and under his di- 
rection the paper rapidly increased in circulation and influence. In 1911 he 



546 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

established the Martinez Daily Standard, now one of the brightest and most 
influential papers published in the county. Senator Sharkey gives his political 
support to the Republican party, and takes an active interest in public af- 
fairs. In 1915 he served for one term as a member of the State legislature 
from the eighteenth district. He was elected State senator from the ninth 
district, representing Contra Costa and Marin counties in 1916, Senator 
Sharkey was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Elizabeth Gott, a native of 
Plumas County, California, September 6, 1900. To this union have been born 
Muriel and William R., Jr. Fraternally, Senator Sharkey is a member and 
past master of Martinez Lodge No. 41, F. & A. M.; Mountain Vale Lodge 
No. 140, I. O. O. F., of Sierraville; Laurel Camp No. 145, W. O. W.; past 
president and secretary Mt. Diablo Parlor No. loi, N. S. G. W.; California 
Camp No. 7079, Modern .Woodmen of the World; Richmond Lodge No. 
1251, B. P. O. E.; Los Ceritos Chapter No. 350, O.E. S.; and Alhambra 
Lodge No. 292, Rebekah. Senator Sharkey is chairman of the Rivers and 
Harbors Commission of California, to which position he was appointed by 
Governor Hiram W. Johnson. The Senator's personal characteristics have 
gained for him the warm regard and friendship of many. He is a public- 
spirited man and a valuable citizen, and he interests himself in all public 
measures that will better local conditions. 

HERBERT HENRY ELWORTHY.— In the course of a long and success- 
ful business career Mr. Elworthy has been identified with the meat business. 
He is now creditably filling the office of vice-president of the First National 
Bank of Concord. He was born in England, March 12, 1863. His parents re- 
moved to Canada, where Mr. Elworthy acquired his education. In 1881 he 
came to Contra Costa County and became identified with Mr. Frank W. 
Foskett, the firm of Foskett & Elworthy engaging in the meat business in 
Pittsburg, Walnut Creek, and Concord. Politically, Mr. Elworthy is a Re- 
publican. He has served as chairman of the board of trustees of Concord 
for some years. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F. He was united 
in marriage on March 19, 1893, to Annie Brawand, a native of Contra Costa 
County. To this union have been born four children — Herbert, Paul, Mark, 
and Keith. Mr. Elworthy has resided in this county for a period of thirty- 
five years. In all business relations he has held steadily to high ideals, and 
he has the confidence and regard of all who in any way are associated with 
him. 

BRADFORD HERVEY UPHAM, deceased, was numbered among the 
most progressive, able, and successful men in Contra Costa County. He 
was born in Windham, Vermont, March 25, 1843, and was the son of Zenas 
Upham. Mr. Upham engaged in the wine business in Chicago in the early 
days. He came west and located in San Francisco, where he engaged in the 
same business in 1871. He was also identified with Cunningham, Curtiss & 



BIOGRAPHICAL 547 

Welch, of San Francisco, for many years. He enlisted in the Civil War, and 
for three and a half years served as Government telegraph operator at Mo- 
bile, Alabama. He operated the cable which crossed the river at that point. 
The splice which Mr. Upham took out of the cable is on exhibition at the 
Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D. C. He enlisted from Vermont, in 
the Eighth Vermont Infantry. Mr. Upham came to Contra Costa County in 
November, 1889, and engaged in the wine business, and had four hundred 
acres of the best land in the Alhambra Valley. He was engaged in business 
in 1890 and continued until his death, which occurred July 29, 1898. He was 
married to Gertrude Ryer, a native of New York City. To this union were 
born Fred H., George P., and Elsa Louise, wife of J. C. Arnold, a civil en- 
gineer and surveyor, whose death occurred April 20, 1913. There were born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Arnold three daughters — Gertrude S., Elsa L., and Marion. 
Fred Upham, the eldest son of Bradford Hervey Upham, was educated in 
the public schools and later attended business college in San Francisco. Fin- 
ishing his education, he returned to the home place and managed the ranch 
until 1902. He then followed the carpenter trade for seven years, and in 
1909 he returned to the ranch and erected the present large and modern 
cider-mill and packing-house, which is located in the heart of the best apple 
section of the county. Fred Upham is a member of the Native Sons and 
holds membership in Mount Diablo Parlor No. loi. He is a Republican and 
has served as school trustee on the Alhambra school board. On September 
5, 1915, Fred Upham was united in marriage to Frances H. Wardle, a native 
of Nevada, a daughter of Philip Wardle, one of the pioneer miners and bus- 
iness men of Virginia City. George P. Upham was born July 15, 1881. He re- 
ceived his education in the grammar schools of Contra Costa County and in 
a business college of San Francisco. He has the management of the ranch 
and the business. George was united in marriage to Lulu Pieratt, a native of 
Napa County, June 17, 1908. To this union have been born five children, two 
of whom died in infancy. Those living are Georgeane Holley, Oliver Putman, 
and Genevieve. George P. Upham is a progressive man in his political views, 
and is now serving as school trustee. He is a member of Mount Diablo 
Parlor, Native Sons, and the Past Presidents' Association of Oakland. Up- 
ham Brothers' Cider Mill is an incorporation, and owns lands and plants 
and has operated since 1905, with the following officers: Geo. P. Upham, 
president and manager; Fred H, Upham, vice-president and treasurer; Elsa 
L. Arnold, secretary. The firm is incorporated for $25,000. The firm makes a 
specialty of cider and vinegar, and nothing but the pure juice of the apple 
enters into their products. The average annual output of vinegar is twenty- 
six thousand gallons, and four thousand gallons of pure cider is shipped 
annually. 

JACOB BUTTNER. — To one of the representative and successful ranchers 
of Contra Costa County, Jacob Buttner, belongs the title of self-made man. 



548 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

for starting out in life without experience or resources he has through his 
own energy risen to be one of the leading men in his locality. Mr. Buttner 
was born on August 14, 1856, in San Francisco, a son of George and Eliza- 
beth Buttner, both natives of Germany. In the parents' family eleven chil- 
dren were born, seven of whom are living. Mr. Buttner's father died in 1911, 
and his mother passed away in 1905. Jacob acquired his education in Ala- 
meda County, where his parents removed when Jacob was very young. He 
attended the public schools in Sunol and Pleasanton, Laying aside his books, 
he assisted on the home ranch, and in 1872 started to learn blacksmithing in 
San Francisco, finishing his trade in Pleasanton. For four years he remained 
with the man from whom he learned his trade, then for another year he was 
connected with a shop at Mission San Jose, after which, in May, 1881, he 
embarked in business for himself at San Ramon, where he bought a black- 
smith-shop including the property. Here he remained over nine years. In 
1891 Mr. Buttner purchased fifty-five acres of the Boss estate, and for eleven 
years, up to 1907, he rented the land, when he moved on his place, and here 
he has remained continuously since, improving his land and bringing it up 
to a high state of cultivation. His record since he has been on the place 
speaks for itself. He now has one hundred and thirteen acres. He makes a 
specialty of grapes and fruit. Mr. Buttner was twice married, the first union 
being to Miss Eugenie Souc, October 2, 1881, and her death occurred on 
May 20, 1896. The second marriage occurred on October 31, 1906, to Eliza- 
beth Atherton, of San Francisco. Four children blessed the first union, two 
of whom died when young; those living are Emily, wife of James O'Neil, of 
San Jose, and John J., of San Francisco. Politically, Mr. Buttner is a Demo- 
crat. He served one term on the Concord high-school board, and is a mem- 
ber of the Woodmen of the World. 

CLERMONT L. RICHARDSON.— The eighty-acre farm belonging to Cler- 
mont L. Richardson is located near Byron, and is devoted to orchard and 
general farming. Mr. Richardson purchased this place in 1893, and he was 
one of the many farmers of this locality who have brought about their per- 
sonal success by application and industry, giving thought, time, and atten- 
tion to the cultivation of the land upon which he was engaged in agricul- 
tural pursuits. Ford Richardson was born in Westfield, Ohio, March 24, 
1883. His parents, Clermont and Annie Richardson, were natives of Ohio. 
In the parents' family there were born four sons. The father came west in 
1872, and later returned to his native State. In 1893 he returned and located 
in the Byron section, where he purchased eighty acres and carried on gen- 
eral farming. Ford received his education in the public schools of Byron, 
after which he assumed the management of the home place for a time. Four 
years ago he engaged in the meat business with gratifying success. In June, 
1916, Ford Richardson took over the management of the Hotel Byron. He 
has made many changes in the interior of the hotel and caters to the gen- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



549 



eral public. It is a typical American hotel of the best class. He was united 
in marriage in Antioch, to Miss Myrtle Boyd, a native of Canada, June i, 

1908. To this union there are two daughters — Wanta, born November 22, 

1909, and Myrtle, born March i, 1914. Mr. Richardson is a Republican and 
serves on the Byron school board. 

LOUIS E. HART. — Among the bankers of Contra Costa County none is 
more progressive than the subject of this review. The banking institution of 
which he is cashier and manager, the Crockett branch of the Bank of Pinole, 
is one of the strong financial concerns in Contra Costa County. A native of 
San Francisco, Mr. Hart was born June 20, 1872, son of Jesse B. and Sallie 
(Coleman) Hart. His father was a native of Ohio, while his mother came 
from Louisiana. Mr. Hart's father died in 1888, and his mother passed away 
in 1892. They were the parents of three children. Louis E. Hart acquired his 
education in the public and high schools of San Francisco, after which he 
became identified with a stock-brokerage company, where he remained for 
ten years. He later accepted a clerical position with the California Powder 
Works for several years. While with this company his ability became rec- 
ognized, and when the Bank of Pinole was organized Mr. Hart was a lead- 
ing factor in its organization and did much of the detail work in connection 
with the new institution at Pinole. When the branch bank at Crockett was 
started, he was made cashier and manager, and by his careful and painstak- 
ing manner in business the bank has greatly prospered. He is one of the 
best-informed men in his line of work in the county. Politically, he is a non- 
partisan. He has served as city clerk at Hercules. He is a stockholder in the 
East Richmond Land Company and holds membership in the B. P. O. E. of 
Richmond. Mr. Hart was twice married, the first union being to Augusta 
Ayres, of Petaluma, in 1898, and her death occurred in June, 1913. The sec- 
ond marriage occurred September 5, 1915, to Minnie De Kay, a native of San 
Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Hart have many friends in the Bay section. 

LOUIS ARATA. — Prominently connected with the business interests 01 
Crockett is Louis Arata. He was born in Italy, December 14, 1850. He ac- 
quired a limited education in the public schools of his native land, and at 
the age of sixteen he came to America. Remaining in New York City for a 
time, he then removed to Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade of 
pastemaker for a period of three years. In 1871 he came to California and 
remained in San Francisco for about three months, when he removed to 
Somersville and found employment in the mines. He followed this vocation 
for a few months, and then engaged in the vegetable business until 1885. 
Later in the same year he purchased eight hundred acres of land and en- 
gaged in general farming until 1891, when he disposed of his farm holdings 
and removed to San Francisco, where he resided four years. In 1899 he came 
to Crockett. Mr. Arata was united in marriage to Kate Treaso, a native of 



550 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Italy, in 1883. To this union have been born four children. One daughter, 
Linda Del Monte, was drowned in the straits near Crockett. The other 
children are Silva, wife of Edward Prytz, of Crockett; Atilio, who is man- 
aging the business in Crockett; and Louis, who is attending Santa Clara 
College. In politics Mr. Arata is affiliated with the Republican party. He has 
served as a delegate to various county conventions, and at one time served 
on the election board. Fraternally, he is a member of the Antioch Lodge, 
I. O. O. F. The family attend the Catholic church. Mr. Arata is numbered 
among the pioneers of Contra Costa County and is well known in Crockett 
and vicinity. 

RANDOLPH C. MARSH.— A distinguishing feature in the career of Ran- 
dolph C. Marsh, an esteemed and honored resident of Oakley, where he has 
made his home since 1897, has been an unswerving integrity and upright- 
ness, which have won for him the confidence of all who have had business 
dealings with him. He is the "Father of Oakley," and has made a success 
financially, being possessed of much business ability. He is a man of sound 
judgment and conservative methods, and he has done much to promote the 
general welfare and develop the resources of eastern Contra Costa County. 
A native of Union County, Ohio, Mr. Marsh was born May 24, 1838, the son 
of Samuel and Mary (Ryan) Marsh. His father died at the age of eighty- 
eight, and his mother passed away in her sixty-fifth year. Randolph C. 
Marsh received his education in the district school of Marysville, Ohio. 
Laying aside his books, he found employment at farming until the Civil 
War broke out, when he was one of the first to answer the call to arms, 
which was in April, 1861. He served three months and re-enlisted twice for 
three years' service, and was mustered out in July, 1865. Returning home, he 
again took up farming and continued to reside in Ohio until 1866, when he 
removed to Kansas and followed agricultural pursuits for six years. In 1875 
he came to California and remained three years in Petaluma. He took up 
land in Lake County and remained there thirteen years, being identified with 
general farming and stock-raising. In 1897 he removed to Contra Costa 
County and purchased twelve acres, establishing and naming the town of 
Oakley. He gave the first business lot in the town gratis to Joe Jesse for a 
grocery-store, and upon completion of the building presented him with a 
deed. Mr. Marsh and A. N. Norcross purchased twenty acres and put on a 
town-site. After two years Mr. Norcross disposed of his interest to Mr. 
Marsh and he continued in the real-estate business. Mr. Marsh is the leading 
spirit of Oakley, regarding the establishment of schools, churches, etc. He 
has one daughter by his first marriage, Anna, wife of J. J. Every (deceased), 
of Lakeport, Lake County, California. Mr. Marsh's second marriage was to 
Eunice Coffin, a native of North Carolina, and to this union have been born 
two children — Kattie C, wife of E. E. Noyes, of Lake County, and Byron R., 
a resident of Los Angeles, at present business manager for Anita Baldwin. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 551 

Mr. Marsh's second wife died in January, 1913, Fraternally, he is affiliated 
with the Masonic lodge of Middletown, Lake County. He has served as post- 
master of Oakley for fourteen years, receiving his appointment from Presi- 
dent McKinley. Mr. Marsh serves on the Oakley school board, and is a 
member of the town board. He has aided in many ways in the upbuilding of 
Oakley and the* surrounding country. His judgment is often sought on ac- 
count of his fairness and absence of personal interest. Mr. Marsh has been 
an advanced thinker and something of a politician for a good many years — 
not seeking political office for himself, but striving to mould more indepen- 
dence of thought on political lines, and of bringing our Government back 
nearer to the people. He is very fond of music and local home entertain- 
ments, and often writes little poems by request for such benefits. 

PATRICK O'BRIEN. — Among the citizens of eastern Contra Costa Coun- 
ty none was more highly esteemed than Patrick O'Brien. He was educated 
iiji the Lone Tree public schools. His parents came to this section when 
Patrick was ten years old. His father bought three hundred and twenty acres 
of land, which is still in possession of the family. After leaving school Pat- 
rick assisted on the home place, where he always remained, and always was 
identified with agricultural pursuits. The family put out ten acres of almonds 
and eight acres of wine grapes. Patrick O'Brien married Ella Devery, a na- 
tive of Ireland, November 23, 1893. Mrs. O'Brien was a daughter of Thomas 
and Ella Devery. Her father passed away in 1910, and her mother in 1914. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien are Emmett, born October 2, 1895, 
and Carroll, born September i, 1897, who resides at home and is now super- 
intending the ranch. Mr. O'Brien was a staunch Republican. He served for 
many years as clerk of the Lone Tree School District. The family are mem- 
bers of the Catholic church of Oakley. His death was mourned by a host of 
friends, and the community at large lost a valuable citizen. 

HENRY G. KRUMLAND is numbered among the highly esteemed citi- 
zens of eastern Contra Costa County. He was born in Byron on February 9, 
1880, and is the son of George Krumland, a native of Germany, who came to 
America in 1848, and to California in 1850 via Cape Horn. The father en- 
gaged in mining for about ten years. He removed to Contra Costa County, 
where he found employment at ranching. Later he leased land and engaged 
in farming and stock-raising. He died in July, 1904. The mother of Henry 
G. Krumland was a native of Maryland. She was the mother of ten children, 
three of whom are dead. Henry G. received his education in the public school 
in Byron, after which he took a business course. Finishing his education, he 
returned- to Byron and became identified with L. G. Plumley in the general 
mercantile business, and practically for twelve years has been associated 
with this establishment. In politics Mr. Krumland is a Democrat. In 1910 he 
was elected justice of the peace and was re-elected in 1914. Fraternally, he is 



552 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

affiliated with the I. O. O. F. of Byron and is a member of the Native Sons. 
Mr. Krumland displays marked energy and determination in his business af- 
fairs, and has succeeded in life because of persistent, energetic, and honor- 
able effort. He is well known and popular in all social and fraternal circles. 

WILLIAM HENRY MURPHY.— Prominent among the men who were 
conspicuous and influential in developing and advancing the agricultural re- 
sources of eastern Contra Costa County was the late William Henry Mur- 
phy, a son of Thomas Murphy, an honored and esteemed citizen of this 
county, who came to California in 1856. Thomas Murphy, the father of Wil- 
liam H., was born in County Cavan, Ireland, March 24, 1830. At the age of 
five years his parents left him in the old country with an uncle and came to 
America, residing in New York for five years. Thomas joined them at the 
age of seven. His parents removed to Connecticut. Thomas received a com- 
mon-school education and in June, 1856, he started for California via the 
Isthmus route. He intended to return to New York State in one year, but, 
liking the climate and resources of California, he remained and sent for his 
family. On joining them he went to Napa Valley and followed farming until 
1867, when he removed to the eastern part of this county and purchased 
four hundred and eighty acres where Knightsen is located. In 1873 he pur- 
chased eleven hundred acres in Round Valley. At a later time he purchased 
more land in Round Valley, and had at the time of his death, which oc- 
curred in August, 1905, sixteen hundred acres. Thomas Murphy was married 
in Mystic, Connecticut, to Miss Alice Ross. To this union have been born 
five children, William H., the subject of this sketch, James B., Annie L., 
Alice, and Hattie. William Henry Murphy was born in Napa, California, and 
died June 9, 1910. He received his education in the Iron House and Eden 
Plain schools, after which he attended the University of the Pacific, at San 
Jose. Finishing his education, he returned to the home place, where he was 
identified with general farming and stock-raising until his death. He was a 
systematic and thoroughgoing farmer, and after his father's death, by his 
enterprise, rendered both ranches the most attractive in this section. He 
was held in the highest esteem by his fellow-men, William Henry Murphy 
was united in marriage to Miss Christiana Braun, a native of San Jose, and 
a daughter of C. W. and Florentine Braun. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were 
blessed with five children — Arthur Ray, born near Antioch, March 9, 1889; 
Katie, born near Antioch, July 24, 1890; William Henry, Jr., born in Round 
Valley, April 2, 1892; Esther, born in Round Valley, June 24, 1895; James 
Campbell, born at Brentwood, November 3, 1906. 

ALEXANDER BURNESS.— Although of foreign birth, no American-born 
citizen takes a keener interest in the affairs of his country than Alexander 
Burness, superintendent of Balfour, Guthrie & Company's interests in the 
beautiful town of Brentwood, Contra Costa County. He has been a resident 



BIOGRAPHICAL 553 

of California for twenty-eight years. He has not only won a material success 
through his energy and industry, but he is esteemed as a citizen of sterling 
worth, and one upon whom the honor of any community may safely rest. 
Born in Dundee, Scotland, January 16, 1861, he received his education in the 
old country. He learned the machinist's trade and in western England was 
identified with the Singer Sewing Machine Company, in its clerical depart- 
ment, for a period of eight years, finally being made local agent. Upon com- 
ing to America, he located in Merced County, where he was associated with 
the Chowchilla Ranch, this corporation being originally known as the Cali- 
fornia Pastoral & Agricultural Company of Edinburgh, Scotland. He then 
went to Bakersfield in the capacity of superintendent of Balfour, Guthrie & 
Company's interests, where he remained for a period of thirteen years. In 
June, 1910, he was transferred by his company to Brentwood, Contra Costa 
County, as general superintendent of their vast holdings. Mr. Burness' po- 
litical affiliations are with the Democratic party. Fraternally, he is a mem- 
ber of Brentwood Lodge No. 345, F. & A. M., and is now serving as senior 
deacon of that order. Mrs. Burness is an unusually capable and popular 
woman, and has held the office of matron of the Eastern Star, but now fills 
the office of district deputy grand matron. Mr, Burness also holds member- 
ship in the Eastern Star, and is past patron of the order. Their daughter is 
organist, Mr. Burness was united in marriage to Miss Bertha M. E. Johnson, 
a native of England, November 11, 1892, and to this union there are five chil- 
dren — Christine M., born August 29, 1894; Muriel H., born August 9, 1898; 
Alexander H., born November 2, 1900; Ernest H., born May 19, 1906. One 
child, a daughter, died in infancy, Mr. Burness is a stockholder and director 
in the Bank of Brentwood, in which he holds the office of vice-president. 
Scotland was the original home of the Burness family, and the inheritance of 
Scottish descendants who through successive generations have displayed 
vigor of intellect and sagacity of judgment. The father of Mr. Burness was 
identified for over twenty years with the Denburn power-loom linen manu- 
facture in Brechin, Scotland, as manager, but came to San Francisco, where 
he afterward died. He married Mary Forbes, a native of Scotland, and to this 
union were born ten children, of whom eight are now living, viz., Alexander, 
the subject of this sketch; Margaret, a resident of Oakland; William M., re- 
tired, and a resident of San Francisco; John E., formerly chief engineer of 
the Fairmont and Palace hotels; Robert D., a professor of music in San 
Francisco; Hector, who has been for many years superintendent for Balfour, 
Guthrie & Company at Fresno, California; Elizabeth, residing in Philadel- 
phia; and Thomas N., a professor of music, who still resides in the old coun- 
try, and has been for over thirty years organist in the Dalziel parish church 
in Motherwell, Scotland. The Burness family are respected for their indus- 
trious and well-directed lives, their integrity, and their devotion to their 
families and friends. The family history has been traced back to Robert 
Burns, the poet, whose family name was originally Burness. Mr, Burness 



554 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

has the original drawing of the Burness coat of arms in his possession, which 
he values very highly; the drawing was made April 26, 1869, 

WILLIAM A. FOTHERINGHAM, who resides in eastern Contra Costa 
County, has attained a prominent place among the agriculturists of his neigh- 
borhood. He was born in Buffalo, New York, August 13, 1857, son of Alex- 
ander D. and Mary (McDonnell) Fotheringham, both deceased. His parents 
removed to Canada, where William was reared to manhood. His father was 
a native of England, while his mother was born in Canada; she died when 
William was but four years of age. He made his home with his grandmother, 
and acquired his education in the public schools. He followed farming, and 
in 1877 he came to California and located near Byron, where he found em- 
ployment and acted as foreman for a large land corporation for a period of 
seven years. He then purchased the Byron ranch near Byron, consisting of 
two hundred acres, which he has always devoted to general farming and 
stock-raising. On August 2, 1882, Mr. Fotheringham was united in marriage 
to Miss Mary B. Alexander, a native of East Kilbride, near Glasgow, Scot- 
land, daughter of Captain John Alexander, who lost his life at sea. To this 
union have been born six children — John Alexander, who resides in San 
Francisco; Jean, wife of William Redman of Stockton; Mabel Elizabeth, 
wife of John Bankson, identified with the Redwood Manufacturing Company 
of Pittsburg, California; Lillian A. and Ellen A., both residing at home; Wil- 
liam Byron, who assists on the home place. Politically, Mr. Fotheringham is 
an adherent of the principles advanced in the platform of the Republican 
party. He has served as school trustee for many years in his section. He is 
connected fraternally with the I. O. O. F. of Byron and the Woodmen of the 
World. He makes his home on the William Gilchrist ranch. Mrs. Fothering- 
ham's mother was twice married. The second union was to William Gilchrist, 
a native of Scotland, who settled in Contra Costa County in 1851, and pur- 
chased three hundred and twenty acres of land, carrying on general farming 
and stock-raising and set out a thirty-acre orchard, principally of almonds. 
He retired and made his home in Pacific Grove up to the time of his death, 
which occurred in 1915. His wife still resides in Pacific Grove. 

JAMES ROST VAN TONNINGEN.— Although but a few years have 
passed since locating in this county. James R. Van Tonningen successfully 
established himself as one of the representative men and has made many 
friends in a business way who esteem him for his business ability and per- 
sonal characteristics. He is a native of Holland, and was born December 29, 
1880, the son of Marinus and Helena Van Tonningen, both natives of Hol- 
land. His father was manager of a Dutch syndicate having timber and agri- 
cultural lands near Riga, Russia. In his infancy his family removed to Rus- 
sia, where James partially acquired his education. When he was ten years 
old, his parents returned to their native land, and here James received a 



BIOGRAPHICAL 555 

year's schooling. In 1896 the family came to America and located in Santa 
Cruz County, at Aptos, where the father purchased twenty-five acres, which 
is devoted to horticulture. Marinus Van Tonningen is considered one of 
the best authorities in his section on fruit-growing, as he has made it a 
study for years. In the parents' family there are three children — Johanna, 
wife of Henry Jansse, of Brentwood; Agnes, wife of Cornelius Van Kaath- 
oven, of Oakley; and James, subject of this review. James R. Van Tonningen 
completed his education in the public schools of Santa Cruz. After finishing 
his education he assisted on his father's place until 1907, when he engaged 
with the California Fruit Canners' Association, which is now the California 
Packing Corporation. For six years he did all sorts of manual labor, and 
three years ago was given the management of 1060 acres at Oakley. His 
success and recognized familiarity with the asparagus industry led to his 
promotion. He was married to Miss Muriel Bligh, January 22, 1914. She was 
a native of England. 

ARNOLD VAN KAATHOVEN, a well-known and prosperous merchant 
of Oakley, Contra Costa County, was born in Holland, November 16, 1872. 
He acquired his education in the public schools of his native land. He is a 
son of Cornelius Van Kaathoven, deceased, at one time among the promi- 
nent physicians in his locality in the old country. His mother, Adriana Van 
Kaathoven, is now residing at Seabright, near Santa Cruz. Arnold Van 
Kaathoven, the subject of this review, came to America in 1889 and located 
in San Jose, where he was favorably known. While a resident of San Jose 
he was identified with the fruit interests of that locality for fifteen years. 
In 1909 he removed to Oakley and purchased the general store of J. S. 
O'Meara. Mr. Van Kaathoven has greatly enlarged his store, and his 
brother Cornelius is identified with the concern. It is now known as the 
East Contra Costa Mercantile Company. Arnold Van Kaathoven was 
united in marriage with Gertrude Keet, a native of Canada, July 20, 1910. 
Since starting out in life Mr. Van Kaathoven has worked his way upward 
by hard work and persistent eflfort, and whatever success he has achieved 
is the direct reward of his labors. He is well known in business circles, and 
is considered one of the leading business men of his locality. 

ELISHA W. ROBBINS. — Among the well-known residents of eastern 
Contra Costa County none is better and more favorably known than Elisha 
W. Robbins. He is a native of Watertown, Massachusetts, and his birth 
occurred on December 30, 1858. He is a son of James and Anne (Winter) 
Robbins, the parents of eleven children. Mr. Robbins' parents removed to 
Wisconsin, where Elisha acquired a common-school education. His father 
was a miller by trade, owning and operating a mill at Madison, Wisconsin, 
for many years. The subject of this review came to California twice before 
making his home here. He farmed in Colorado before coming to this county 



556 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

and he now owns and operates twenty-one acres, which is all set out to al- 
monds, apricots, and peaches. Mr. Robbins' sister Lois also makes her home 
here and has many friends in this locality. Politically, Mr. Robbins is inde- 
pendent. He has brought his place up to a high state of cultivation and is 
numbered as one of the representative men in eastern Contra Costa County. 

ORLANDO C. PREWETT.— The name which heads this review is one of 
the well-known men of eastern Contra Costa County. He is an enterprising, 
progressive, and up-to-date farmer, a public-spirited citizen, and a promi- 
nent factor in the development of this section. He was born in Marion 
County, Illinois, September 7, 1864, the son of Grafton and Emma Prewett. 
Orlando at the age of five years removed with his parents to Missouri, 
where his father farmed. In 1891 the family came to California and located 
near Brentwood. Orlando rented the Emerson place for sixteen years, and 
then bought his present farm of two hundred and forty acres. He also owns 
three hundred and six acres of range land, and has always been identified 
with stock-raising. Mr. Prewett was married to Rebecca Williamson, a na- 
tive of Missouri, November 22, 1891. Mrs. Prewett's father died February 
12, 1870, and her mother passed away January 13, 1917, in Missouri. She was 
born in 1837. Mr. Prewett's father died on February 12, 1902, and his mother 
passed away November 11, 1912. Orlando C. Prewett gives his political al- 
legiance to the Democratic party. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Ma- 
sonic lodge of Brentwood. He also holds membership with the I. O. O. F. 
lodge of Antioch. He has served on the school board in the Iron House 
district for some years and shows deep interest in educational matters. He 
is in every way a representative citizen of his section. 

REUBEN LE MOIN is one of the energetic and representative men of 
Contra Costa County. He has by hard work and good judgment made a 
financial success. He was born in De Kalb County, Illinois, April i, 1858, a 
son of L. E. and Anna (Flick) Le Moin. His mother was of German birth. 
Mr. Le Moin's parents have the distinction of coming to California on the 
first train that crossed the continent. The parents came west owing to the 
father's health. His death occurred in his forty-eighth year, and the mother 
passed away in Brentwood. Reuben Le Moin acquired his schooling in the 
Eden Plain school. Early in life he began ranching and worked out. Twenty- 
one years ago he bought eight acres and set it out to almonds. Later he 
purchased one hundred and sixty-six acres, and engaged in general farming 
and dairy business. At the present time he has ten acres of walnuts. Mr. 
Le Moin was married to Abba Chilson in 1888. Their three children are 
Bertha, wife of C. H. French, of Brentwood; Irene Floy, wife of Ralph 
Olsen, of Oakland; and Everett, who is identified with the Jackson Iron 
Works of Oakland. In politics Mr. Le Moin is a Republican. He has served 
on the school board of Brentwood for some years past. His experience and 



BIOGRAPHICAL 557 

ability have made him well known and greatly respected. Mr. Le Moin also 
owns valuable business property in Brentwood. 

JACOB JACOBSEN, one of the well-known and respected ranchers of 
eastern Contra Costa County, was born in Germany, November 19, 1862. He 
came to America in 1884 and located in Elgin, Illinois. Here he found em- 
ployment at dairying and remained nearly two years. He came to the Pa- 
cific Coast and remained in San Francisco a short time. He then found 
work at ranching in San Mateo and remained here several months; then he 
came to this county in 1886 and ranched. Mr. Jacobsen now rents five hun- 
dred acres of what is known as the Sanford Ranch, Here he carries on gen- 
eral farming, Mr. Jacobsen was twice married. At the age of twenty-nine 
he married Miss Maggie Gibson, and to this union was born one daughter, 
who died in infancy. The second marriage was to Mabel Olsen, October 
30, 1900, and to this union were born Burnett, Gladys, Howard, and Donald. 
Mr. Jacobsen is a member of the Maccabees. The family is well known in 
their locality and have a host of warm friends. Mr. Jacobsen has always 
followed ranching and he has the ability to operate large tracts of land. 
He is honorable, upright, and public-spirited, and does much to benefit the 
community in which he lives. 

PETER OLSEN, one of the well-known and representative men of eastern 
Contra Costa County, was born July 8, 1849, in Sonderburg, Denmark. He 
received his education in the old country and learned the brickmaking trade, 
which he followed for seven years in his native land. At the age of twenty- 
one he came to America and settled in Nebraska, where he found employ- 
ment, and in 1871 he removed to Carbon County, Wyoming, where he fol- 
lowed mining. He then went to Utah, where he worked in the silver mines 
for a period of two years, when he returned to Wyoming and followed min- 
ing, and later assisted in the construction of a large stone building and 
barns for the Wyoming Coal Company. He then went on a cattle ranch for 
two years. At this time the Indians were hostile in his section, and Mr. 
Olsen relates many narrow escapes from the red men where he was work- 
ing. In 1874 he came to California and located in Antioch, where he became 
identified with the coal mines. In 1879 he purchased two hundred and forty 
acres in the Black Hills, where he engaged in the cattle and wood business 
for seven years. In 1885 he removed to Marsh Creek and rented a half-sec- 
tion and followed general farming. Later he purchased a lease and operated 
two hundred and ninety acres for twelve years. In 1912 he settled in Brent- 
wood. Mr. Olsen was married on July 28, 1878, to Mary E. Nathan, a daugh- 
ter of Daniel Nathan, who came to California via Cape Horn, and settled in 
Antioch, where he died thirty-five years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Olsen have 
been born four children — Mabel Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Jacobsen, of Brent- 
wood; Edward James, engaged in the grocery business in Oakland; Ralph, 



558 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

who is bookkeeper for R. W. Kinney, of Oakland; and Cecil, who died at 
the age of four years. Mr. Olson is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a mem- 
ber of the I. O. O. F. and Rebekah lodges of Byron. 

IRVING R. BAILEY, D. D. S. — Prominent among the representatives of 
the dental profession in Contra Costa County is Doctor Irving R. Bailey, 
of Brentwood. He was born April 3, 1881, and is the son of Angelo A. 
Bailey, a former superintendent of schools of Contra Costa County, who 
died July 6, 1907. Angelo A. Bailey was born on June 25, 1844, in Walworth 
County, Wisconsin. At the age of twenty-one he left home. He found em- 
ployment in the forests of his native State. Later he came west and located 
in Denver. He engaged in the sheep business for a time, and then came to 
Santa Cruz County, California. Here he taught school, and in 1877 he re- 
moved to this county and was made principal of the Antioch schools for a 
period of three years. He was made county superintendent of schools in 
1879. He was married in Richmond, Illinois, March 23, 1871, to Lottie Tib- 
betts, a native of that State. He served in the customs service, and was lo- 
cated in San Francisco and Port Costa, Leaving the Government employ, 
he became principal of the Martinez schools. He was elected county clerk 
of Contra Costa County and served two years. He served as principal of 
the Concord schools for several years. Irving R. Bailey, the subject of this 
review acquired his education in the public schools of Martinez and the 
University of California, graduating in dentistry in 1903. He began practice 
in Pinole, where he remained until the fall of 1912, and owing to his health 
the Doctor gave up his profession and purchased a twenty-acre walnut or- 
chard at Oakley. He has recently resumed his practice at Brentwood, where 
he enjoys a broad acquaintance. Doctor Bailey was united in marriage to 
Miss Lottie Lois Sherman, June 16, 1906. To this union there have been 
three children — Angelo Grosvenor, born June 26, 1907; Emily Edith, born 
April 24, 1910; and Robert Sherman, born August 7, 1916. The parents of 
Doctor Bailey had seven children — Mabel R., born May 10, 1873, died 1901; 
Effie L., residing in Berkeley; Mark G. Bailey, D. D. S., of Stockton; Edith, 
a school-teacher of Berkeley; Lloyd E., an agriculturist; Percy S., died in 
infancy; Angele H., residing in Berkeley; and the subject of this sketch. 
Doctor Bailey has reached a creditable place along his chosen profession, 
and both he and his wife have won an extensive circle of warm friends in 
eastern Contra Costa County. 

HERCULES LOGAN. — Among the foremost contractors and builders of 
Contra Costa County is to be numbered Hercules Logan. He is a native of 
Scotland, and was born April 26, 1875, son of John and Christina (Watt) 
Logan. The subject of this review received his education in the old country. 
In 1903 he came to America and located in New York State for a short time. 
He then came to California and went to Eureka, Humboldt County, where 



BIOGRAPHICAL 559 

his brother Adolph has resided for twenty-five years, and has always fol- 
lowed the merchant-tailoring business. Hercules learned the carpenter and 
building trade in the old country and readily found employment in Eureka; 
he assisted on the city hall. He then removed to San Francisco and worked 
on the German hospital and later on Government work on Angel Island, 
and was identified with other large projects. In 1906, immediately after the 
fire, he erected the new building for Heald's Business College, at McAllister 
and Polk streets. In 1912 he removed to Brentwood and acted as superin- 
tendant on the Hotel Brentwood, the Bank of Brentwood, and the palatial 
home of the superintendent of Balfour, Guthrie & Company. He has been 
superintendent during construction for many of the best homes in this sec- 
tion. Fraternally, Mr. Logan is a member of the Masonic lodge of Brent- 
wood. He was married to Ethel Jane Brangwin, a native of England, July 
10, 1900. To this union there have been five children — John, born in Man- 
chester, England, May 17, 1901; Hercules, born in Glasgow, Scotland, No- 
vember 10, 1903; Adolphus, born in Dunoon, Scotland, March 8, 1904; Ethel, 
born in San Francisco, May 30, 1911; and Mabel, born in San Francisco, 
June 8, 1912, The parents of Mr. Logan reside in Alameda with his two sis- 
ters, Christina and Mary. The latter specializes in stage dancing. Since re- 
siding in Brentwood Mr. and Mrs. Logan have made a host of friends and 
have won the respect and good-will of all who know them. 

PAUL F. BUCHOLTZ. — Among the most prominent and progressive busi- 
ness men of Brentwood is numbered Paul F. Bucholtz, He is a native of 
Contra Costa County, and was born in Byron, September 30, 1886, son of 
Rudolph F., who was born in Berlin, Germany, and died in 1895. When a 
mere lad Mr. Bucholtz's father came to this country with his father and 
settled on a place between Byron and Bethany, where his father worked 
for a time. He married, and then leased land which he operated for some 
years. He contemplated purchasing the land he rented at the time of his 
death, which occurred August 22, 1905. The mother of Paul F., Martha 
(Shafer) Bucholtz, was born in Germany, She came to this country with her 
parents and located in Stockton. In the parents' family there were three sons 
and one daughter. William, who is connected with Paul F. in the meat mar- 
ket at Brentwood, married Elva Pamberton, of Brentwood. They have one 
daughter, Helen. Paul F., the second son and subject of this sketch, re- 
ceived his education in the public schools of Byron. At the age of fourteen, 
he started the butcher business with A. Alexson. He worked for Mr. Alex- 
son for six years and then removed to Mantel, San Joaquin County, where 
he followed his trade for four years. At the age of twenty-four he removed 
to Brentwood, where he engaged in business with his brother Rudolph. 
Since engaging in business they have made steady progress, and today they 
have one of the most modern meat markets in Contra Costa County. Ru- 
dolph F., a partner in the meat business, was born February 7, 1882, and 



56o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

married Miss Maud Elizabeth Duncan, of Manteca, in 1909. They have two 
children, Violet and Frank R., Jr. The sister, Annie, is now the wife of 
Robert Duncan, and was married in 1910. Their daughter is Annie. Paul F. 
and Rudolph F. are both members of the I. O. O. F. of Byron and the Ma- 
sonic lodge of Brentwood, the Eastern Star, and the Woodmen of the 
World. The mother passed away April i, 1916, at the age of sixty-one years. 
The firm of Bucholtz Brothers has achieved success and it has been gained 
by honorable methods and upright business dealings. 

GEORGE SELLERS. — Conspicuous among the extensive and successful 
fruit-growers of eastern Contra Costa County is George Sellers, the owner 
of one of the finest orchards and one of the most attractive homes to be 
found in the county. A man of keen intelligence and superior business at- 
tainments, he has been actively identified with the horticultural interests of 
this part of the county for years. Mr. Sellers was born in Fruitvale, March 
I, 1854. He is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Abbott) Sellers. His father was a 
native of Pennsylvania and his mother was born in New York State. The 
grandfather of Mr. Sellers was one of the pioneers of the Bay section and 
named the town of Fruitvale. Both parents of Mr. Sellers came to Califor- 
nia via Cape Horn. His father followed mining in Mariposa and other coun- 
ties. In i860 he removed to eastern Contra Costa County, and purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of the choicest land in that locality, which he 
successfully operated until the time of his death, which occurred in 1900. 
Mrs. Sellers passed away about twenty years ago. George Sellers, the sub- 
ject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools of Oakland, 
after which he returned to the home place, where he has always remained. 
He was united in marriage to Adaline Buckley, of Alameda County, April 
8, 1872. To this union have been born three children — Henry Abbott, Edwin 
Buckley, and Edith, wife of H. L. French, who is identified with the Salinas 
high schools as a teacher. Henry A. is associated with the Hotchkiss dairy 
of eastern Contra Costa County, as superintendent. Edwin Buckley has the 
management of the home ranch adjoining his father's place. George Sellers 
is a stanch Republican, and has been active along party lines. He has served 
for five years as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Veale. He has also served on 
the local school board. Mr. Sellers' magnificent orchard is devoted to the 
raising of walnuts, apricots, and general fruit-growing. He has also been 
actively engaged in the real estate business as well as general farming. He 
is identified with the good-roads movement. Mr. Sellers is highly respected 
by all in his locality. 

LEWIS RISDON MEAD.— Among the many brilliant, able, and resource- 
ful men who gained positions of distinction in the Bay cities was Lewis 
Risdon Mead, now deceased. The record of his career is the record of wor- 
thy and upright living, of strict adherence to a high personal standard, of 



BIOGRAPHICAL 561 

talents and powers well used for worthy ends. These things need not be re- 
peated to the readers of a history of this section of California, for Mr. Mead 
was one of Contra Costa County's most progressive and successful business 
men, and his name had been known and honored here for many years. Lewis 
Risdon Mead was born on September 7, 1847, at Saline, Michigan. His par- 
ents were Silas and Harriett Risdon Mead. In the parents' family there were 
two children — William, an agriculturist, who resides on the home place at 
Saline, Michigan, and the subject of this review. Lewis and William, when 
young men, went to New Orleans, and in 1863 Lewis came to California via 
the Isthmus route to be with his uncle, John Risdon, who originally started 
the iron works then known as Risdon & Coffey. The concern remained as 
such for some years, when it became the property of Mr. Risdon and was 
familiarly known as the Risdon Iron Works. The Risdon Iron Works con- 
tinued until 1914, when it was sold. Mr. Mead was identified with the concern 
for many years, and held the important position of secretary and auditor 
until 1907, when he severed his connection with the concern, and took up his 
residence in Byron Hot Springs, located at the northern end of the San 
Joaquin Valley. In 1865 Orange Risdon and Lewis Risdon Mead took up two 
hundred acres from the United States Government, now known as the By- 
ron Hot Springs. The land was patented and patent papers were received 
later in that year. The springs on this historic spot have been famous ever 
since the aboriginal days. The Indians came here; the wild animals knew it, 
and well they used the healing waters of the bubbling springs. Mr. Mead 
bought out Mr. Risdon's interests and took the active management of the 
springs, and ran it up to the time of his death. The first building was erected 
in 1865. A fill of ten to twelve feet was necessary in order to make a garden 
and plant shrubbery and trees, owing to the fact that the land where the 
hotel and cottages are located was a vast lava bed. The first large hotel, 
costing $50,000, was destroyed by fire in 1901; in 1902 a new hotel of Moorish 
design was erected by Reid Brothers, of San Francisco, at a cost of $150,- 
000. This magnificent structure was destroyed by fire in 1912. Mr. Mead had 
a difficult time with the insurance companies, but won the fight, which was 
in litigation for some time, and in 1914 he gave a contract to Reid Brothers 
again to erect a strictly fire-proof building on the site of the other hotel, at 
a cost of $100,000. Lewis Risdon Mead was a broad-minded man, liberal in 
thought and honorable in purpose. His life was fruitful of good results, not 
only in the attainment of success, but in his support of progressive public 
measures which are of benefit to the community. He served as a regent of 
the University of California. He was the founder of Brooklyn Lodge No. 
225, F. & A. M., of Oakland. He was a member of Islam Temple and the 
Mystic Shrine. He was president of the Mechanics' Institute of San Fran- 
cisco for many years. Mr. Mead was twice married. The first union was in 
1873, to Blanche Durant, who died in 1905. There was one son, Louis Durant 
Mead, born March 31, 1875; he married Miss Charlotte Lanneau, of New 



562 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

York City, in 1905. They have one daughter, Blanche, born June 22, 1910, in 
San Francisco, California. The second marriage of Lewis Risdon Mead oc- 
curred on June 19, 1907, to Miss Mae Sadler, daughter of Charles M. Sadler, 
one of the representative business men of San Francisco, and senior mem- 
ber of the firm of Sadler & Co. At the time of the San Francisco fire Miss 
Sadler was in Europe completing her studies and returned to her home in 
San Francisco; the following year she was united in marriage. The present 
hotel at Byron Hot Springs was planned by Mr. and Mrs. Mead, and is 
truly a monument to Mr. Mead. After the second fire, wells were sunk at 
the river, two miles away, and connected with water pipes all over the 
grounds and in the hotel and cottages for fire protection. Mr. Mead's politi- 
cal belief was with the Republican party, and he was one of the most con- 
scientious type of public men, ever holding to his ideals and principles with- 
out swerving. He served on the grand jury, and was called upon at various 
times to serve on the Republican county and other committees. Hs was 
not only a very patriotic American, but an ultra-loyal Californian. Mr. Mead 
passed away on June 13, 1916, and his death was sincerely mourned by a wide 
circle of friends all over California and in the East. Mrs. Mead will erect a 
memorial over the original hot salt springs in memory of her husband, who 
will always be remembered among the most honored and eminent residents 
of Contra Costa County. 

GUIDO TODARO. — Among the strong financial institutions of this county 
is the Contra Costa County Bank, of Pittsburg, and among the bankers of 
prominence in the county is Guido Todaro, who, as cashier, has done rnuch 
toward the upbuilding of this financial institution. His banking experience 
extends over many years and he has traveled extensively. He is a native of 
Venice, and received his education in his native land. After finishing his 
schooling he went to Calcutta, India, where he remained three years, and be- 
came identified with the large banking firm of Credit Lyonnais, of Calcutta, 
where his ability was recognized. In 1897 he came to San Francisco via the 
Orient. Mr. Todaro associated himself with the Justinian Caire Company 
of San Francisco for a period of two years. He was then employed with the 
Italian American Bank of San Francisco for five years, after which he ac- 
cepted a call to this county, where he is connected with the Contra Costa 
County Bank. Mr. Todaro is a careful and painstaking banker, and he is 
readily conceded to be one of the most able and best-informed men in the 
county along banking lines. He holds the important position of cashier and 
manager of his bank. Mr. Todaro was united in marriage to Miss Rose Wil- 
liams, a native of Sonoma County, California, August 20, 1904. To this union 
there have been two children — Guido, born May 18, 1907, and Marie, born 
October 24, 1910. The family are members of the Catholic church. Political- 
ly, Mr. Todaro is affiliated with the Republican party, but he has never as- 
pired to office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the 



BIOGRAPHICAL 563 

Eagles of Pittsburg. While his duties largely confine him to his bank, Mr. 
Todaro is ever ready to join in public movements for the extension of trade 
or betterment of conditions. He enjoys the esteem and respect of his col- 
leagues and the general public, and by his personality he has done much to- 
ward upholding the prestige which his bank enjoys. Mr. Todaro is a stock- 
holder in his bank, as well as in the Contra Costa County Gas Company. 

DAVID ISRAEL. — One of the most able, progressive, and enterprising 
business men of Contra Costa County is David Israel, of Pittsburg. He was 
born in New York City on November 29, 1874, a son of Meyer and Henri- 
etta Israel. His parents were both natives of Alsace-Lorraine. The subject 
of this review received his education in the Antioch and San Francisco pub- 
lic schools. Early in life he worked for L. Meyer & Company, of Antioch, 
for a period of ten years. He was also identified with other business houses 
in different parts of this State. These various positions called forth his ex- 
ecutive ability and his keen grasp of business details, and in matters under 
his charge he has clearly demonstrated his possession of these qualities, 
which have made his concern one of the favorably known business houses 
of Contra Costa County. In 1902, Mr. Israel started business in Pittsburg 
with B. Senderman, and he purchased the latter's interest in 1913. Politically, 
Mr. Israel is a Republican, but he has never aspired to public office. Frater- 
nally, he is affiliated with the Masonic order of Pittsburg; he also holds 
membership in the Foresters, Eagles, and other orders. He was united in 
marriage to Miss Amelie Senderman, a sister of his former partner, and a 
native of Contra Costa County, November 3, 1907. To this union have been 
born two children — Robert Senderman, born May 30, 1909, and Royce Wex- 
ford, born July 16, 191 1. Mr. Israel stands today a forceful factor in the im- 
provement of business conditions of Pittsburg. 

DIXON H. MacQUIDDY has been actively and successfully identified 
with the business interests of California as a contractor and builder since 
boyhood, and is recognized today as one of the foremost contractors and 
builders of the Bay cities. He was born in Traver, Kings County, California, 
March 19, 1887, a son of John T. MacQuiddy, a native of Missouri, and Paul- 
ine S. MacQuiddy, a native of Tennessee. Dixon H. MacQuiddy was edu- 
cated in the public and high schools of Hanford and Stockton. Finishing 
his schooling he went to Sonoma County, where he was identified with his 
father and where he learned his trade. In 1906 Mr. MacQuiddy moved to 
Concord, where he followed his trade, and erected many of the substantial 
buildings of that town. He erected the First Presbyterian Church, the Bacon 
block, and other fine buildings, as well as many of the finest homes in Con- 
cord. In November, 1914, he removed to Pittsburg, where he maintained an 
office as well as a branch office in Davis, California. Mr. MacQuiddy con- 
fines his operations largely to Solano and Contra Costa counties. In politics 



564 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



he is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Pacheco, 
and also of the Moose and Eagles. His children are Dixon Leroy, born in 
1908, and Everett Merle, born in 1912. Mr. MacQuiddy has a partner, Mr. 
C. C. Bean, who has in charge the Davis office. Owing to their constantly 
increasing business, the firm has prospered with gratifying success, and has 
recently opened the M. & B. Paint & Building Material Company in Pitts- 
burg. Many of the most attractive buildings in Contra Costa and Solano 
counties testify to the ability and skill of Mr. MacQuiddy and his partner, 
and they are well entitled to a foremost place among the builders of Contra 
Costa County, for they are representative men and respected citizens. 

JOSEPH LUCAS. — Scarcely a habitable section of California but has its 
toilers recruited from the sea — strong, weather-beaten men who have 
stepped from slippery decks after years before the mast, and have thereafter 
made homes and established industries in either town or country. The most 
interesting of this class are the old whalers, who still seem to carry around 
with them a breath of the sea — seasoned mariners, who at one time strained 
their eyes across the great expanse of waters for the sight of a spouting 
leviathan of the deep, and who dared all manner of danger that their ship 
might return to port heavily laden with oil. Joseph Lucas, who resides near 
Richmond, has many a tale to relate regarding his extensive whaling experi- 
ence, and because he had the traits to make a successful sailor and whaler 
may account for his energy and wise management. Mr. Lucas was eighteen 
years of age when he first shipped before the mast of a whaler, setting sail 
from the Azores Islands, where he was born on January 18, 1826. He sailed 
during three or four seasons in the Arctic and Japan seas, and in 1846 put 
into San Francisco harbor on the whaling ship "Magnet," together with 
other whaling vessels. This was during the Mexican War, and all were afraid 
to venture beyond the Golden Gate, as a Mexican war vessel was lying in 
wait for them. For a time he made his home in New Bedford, Massachu- 
setts. In 1850 he came around the Horn to San Francisco and was engaged on 
various pilot boats of this Bay. He served as quartermaster on the steamers 
"Winfield Scott," "Yankee Blade," "Sonora," and "Golden Gate." Later he 
spent a few years in the mines on the American River. In 1862-63 he worked 
as a stevedore in San Francisco, and in the fall of 1863 he located on forty 
acres now a part of the city of Richmond. Mr. Lucas purchased the farm in 
i860. The property was involved in a disputed title, being a portion of the 
San Pablo grant, and for twenty-one years he was engaged in litigation. The 
ranch has since been cut up into town lots. In 1862 Mr. Lucas was united in 
marriage to Mary Prairo, who was born on the island of Nantucket, Massa- 
chusetts, and whose father, John Prairo, was a sailor by occupation. Taking 
a trip in 1849 to California, he mined along the American River. Successful 
beyond the average, his ambition proved larger that his opportunity, for he 
lost practically all he had in the world while promoting a scheme to dam the 



BIOGRAPHICAL 565 

Sacramento River. Locating in San Francisco, Mr. Lucas engaged as a 
stevedore, and in 1862 came to the San Pablo grant, locating near Mr. Prai- 
ro. The similarity between the lives of Mr. Lucas and Mr. Prairo seemed 
quite remarkable, especially as both came from the same island, and chanced 
upon the same land occupations. Mr. Prairo died here the possessor of large 
landed estates, being survived a short time by his wife, Eunice (Colman) 
Prairo, who was a native of Nantucket, Massachusetts, Five children have 
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lucas — Joseph, Mary (the wife of M. J. Keegan), 
John, Frank, and Henry. Mr. Lucas is a devout member of the Catholic 
church, and in politics is a Republican. 

R. R. VEALE. — On the roster of county officials of Contra Costa County 
appears the name of R. R. Veale, who, following a period of efficient and 
capable service as sheriff, was elected to this important position in 1894, and 
has held this office since. He is a native of California, and was born in 
Sonoma County on March 2^, 1864. His father was one of the well-known 
figures in early days in California. He came to this State via the Isthmus 
route in 1855, and engaged in stock-raising and agricultural pursuits on a 
small scale. In 1867 he removed to Contra Costa County and became prom- 
inently identified with the development of this locality. R. R. Veale acquired 
his early education in the public schools, after which he took up the vocation 
of farming on an extensive scale. He had the distinction of being the first 
farmer in the county to use modern and up-to-date methods, such as steam- 
plows and harvesters. He became identified in local and State politics, at- 
tended many State conventions, and served on the State Republican County 
Committee. In 1894 he was chosen by the people of Contra Costa County as 
sheriff, and he has since served in this office, discharging his duties in his 
usual efficient manner. As sheriff of the county, Mr. Veale has been con- 
nected with many prominent cases. He captured the criminal, Moore, who 
killed Kilroy at Nevada City. He also captured the criminal who stole over 
$300,000 of gold bullion from the Selby Smelting Company and hid it in the 
bay. He also captured the murderer, McFarland, who killed Garcia on Mount 
Diablo in 1908. Sheriff Veale originated the idea of the rock-pile for hoboes, 
which has been adopted by the sheriffs in many of the counties. He was one 
of the chief factors in gaining the State highway along the bay, which he 
obtained by inducing various corporations to build the road through their 
own property, or contribute largely to the building fund. Mr. Veale went to 
Washington, D. C, as a representative of the county to boost the Richmond 
harbor project. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights Templars, the 
Royal Arch Chapter, the Eastern Star, the Elks, the Odd Fellows, the 
Eagles, the Native Sons, the Woodmen, the Moose, the Red Men, U. P. E. C, 
the Knights of Pythias, the Rebekahs, and the Women of Woodcraft. He 
has served twenty years as secretary of the Sheriff's Association of Califor- 
nia, an organization, including the sheriffs of the various counties of the 



566 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

State, which meets annually to discuss matters of interest to the different 
sections, and to compare records and exchange ideas and to add generally 
to the efficiency of the sheriff's office. Sheriff Veale's continual re-election to 
office is the best proof of his acceptability to the people. His tireless efforts 
and conscientious work in behalf of progress and general improvement, par- 
ticularly in regard to the betterment of the roads and highways, has gained 
for him a reputation for well-directed activity in the county. Sheriff Veale 
was elected as a delegate to the Republican National Convention held at 
Chicago in June, 1916. He was also chosen commissioner from Contra Costa 
County to the Panama-Pacific Exposition held in San Francisco. Mr. Veale 
was united in marriage to Mary E. Martin, of East Oakland, November 11, 
1883. To this union there are six children — Robert Howard, born May 18, 
1885; William Minor, born September 10, 1887; Leila E., born January 13, 
1890; Mortimer Belshaw, born November 18, 1893; Miriam Estelle, born 
April 21, 1897; Leola Rains, born March 22, 1899. 

JOHN M. AUGUSTO. — A worthy representative of the type of citizen that 
has made California a great State is John M. Augusto, whose strong and 
earnest manhood, forceful character, business sagacity, and executive abil- 
ity have been given in the past few years toward the development of Oak- 
ley. His birth occurred in the Madeira Islands on September 29, 1872, the son 
of Lawrence and Mary Augusto. His father passed away in 1885, and his 
mother makes her home in San Leandro. John M. Augusto acquired his 
schooling in the St. Louis College of Honolulu, after which he learned the 
blacksmith trade with the Hawaiian Carriage Manufacturing Company. 
Here he remained for three years, and then became identified with the Oahu 
Railway Company of Hawaii, following his trade for two years. He then 
removed to San Francisco and followed the same vocation for a year. He 
afterward resided in Oakland, and was foreman for the California Jute Mills 
for some time, after which he spent five years in San Leandro, where he 
worked for John F. Hopper. On April i, 1900, the town of Oakley was on 
the map and Mr. Augusto saw the possibilities in this new section, and he 
removed to this town and purchased the first business lot in the place. He 
immediately erected a blacksmith-shop, and has succeeded in building up a 
profitable business. Owing to the fertility of the soil, he purchased two 
ranches of ten acres each, and has all his land out to fruit and nuts, besides 
owning five valuable city lots. All through the changing years that have 
since elapsed since he came to Oakley he has had no desire to change his 
abiding-place. Today his orchards compare with the best in his locality. By 
his marriage to Ermina Fernandez Gonsalves on June 10, 1899, there are five 
children. Mrs. Augusto is a native of Honolulu, and a daughter of one of 
the highly respected families of the islands. The children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Augusto are George M., now in high school; Hazel, died in infancy; Martha 
G., Edward Lawrence, and Archibald, who died June 13, 1912. Hazel and Ed- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 567 

ward were the first two children born in Oakley. Mr. August© is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity; he is also affiliated with the I. O. O. F. He has pro- 
duced results by hard work from a financial point of view. Starting in 
a small way, his business has increased until he now has over $8000 invested 
in machinery. Mr. Augusto is agent for the John Deere line of wagons, 
buggies, and farm machinery. He has the honor of being the oldest busi- 
ness man in Oakley. In his political views he is a Republican. He is an ad- 
vocate and loyal booster for good roads, and is interested in any movement 
for the betterment of conditions in Oakley and surrounding country. 

HARRY ELLS, one of the progressive and representative citizens of Contra 
Costa County, was born in Canning, Nova Scotia, November 9, 1854, and is 
the fourth of the six sons and two daughters of William and Sarah (New- 
comb) Ells, farmers in Nova Scotia. As a boy Mr. Ells found the Nova 
Scotia farm altogether too small to supply the needs of the large family, 
and accordingly he located on a farm near Winchester, Massachusetts, in 
1871, this slight progression opening up yet broader fields of activity, and 
placing him in touch with the Far West, to which he came during the sum- 
mer of 1874. Locating in Dutch Flat, he engaged in mining for himself and 
others, and after the incorporation of the Cedar Creek Mining Company, he 
became foreman under Colonel Ludman. Coming to Stege as assistant 
superintendent of the California Cap Company, he was advanced to the po- 
sition of superintendent in 1889, which position he held for several years. 
Mr. Ells branched out in various activities in the county. He became inter- 
ested in the real estate and insurance business, and is a director of the Bank 
of Richmond. An active and influential Republican, he has been postmaster 
at Stege for several years, and served for some years as president of the 
board of school directors of the Stege District. In 1902 he was elected to the 
State Assembly by a large majority from the twenty-second district, serving 
on the committee of roads and highways, fish and game, and as chairman 
of the committees on manufacturing and internal improvements. He was 
unanimously chosen as a candidate to succeed himself for the term of 1904, 
and his Democratic opponent, seeing nothing but defeat before him, with- 
drew from the contest, and Mr. Ells' election was assured. Mr. Ells was twice 
married, the first union being to Katie Seltzer in 1880. He was married in 
Sacramento, and his wife died at Dutch Flat one year after. The second 
marriage occurred on December 23, 1912, to Maybelle Perry Seavey, of Rich- 
mond. Mr. Ells is a member of McKinley Lodge No. 347, F. & A. M., of 
which he is past master. He is also a member of Siloam Chapter No. 37, R. 
A. M., the Commandery of Oakland, and the Eastern Star. 

LOUIS BRACKMAN.— The history of Contra Costa County would be in- 
complete were there failure to mention Louis Brackman, who resides near 
Martinez. He was born in Pinole on February 11, 1863, a son of William and 



568 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Anne Brackman. Both parents were natives of Germany. The father of our 
subject was one of the pioneers of California, crossing the plains in 1849, 
starting from St. Louis, and taking six months to make the trip. After reach- 
ing San Francisco he engaged in the cattle business. Later he took up farm- 
ing in Moraga Valley. He afterward moved to Pinole, where he followed 
ranching and stock-raising. The father died on March 7, 1898, when Louis 
was eighteen years of age, and his mother died on January 4, 1882. In the 
parents' family eight children were born. Frederick K., who died in February, 
1915, was a rancher and lived near Muir Station. William resides near Con- 
cord. These are the only brothers of Louis Brackman who resided in this 
county of late years. Louis Brackman was educated in the public schools, 
after which he returned to the home ranch, where he remained until he was 
eighteen years of age. He then left home and found employment at ranching 
for a period of seven years, when he purchased his father's place in the 
Pinole Valley. Here he continued for a period of about sixteen years. He 
then bought a fruit-ranch near Muir Station, consisting of twelve acres. This 
he sold and removed to his present location, situated most ideally, and con- 
sisting of one hundred and thirty-eight acres. In politics Mr. Brackman is a 
Republican. He has served on the educational board in the various places he 
has lived with credit. He was married on August 20, 1895, to Miss Nellie Car- 
penter, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah Carpenter. To this union there are 
three children — Velda Lorain, born October 17, 1900; Louis Clarence, born 
July 15, 1908; Alice Ruth, born August i, 1910. The family attend the Con- 
gregational church. Mr. and Mrs. Brackman have an extensive acquaintance 
and a host of friends, and they have the esteem and confidence of all who 
know them. 

FRANCIS FELIX NEFF, M. D., who has been successfully engaged in the 
practice of medicine in Concord since 1890, was born in Williamsburg, Penn- 
sylvania, February 9, 1862, son of Captain William Lewis Neff, an officer in 
the Civil War, and one of the seventh generation of Neffs who resided in 
Pennsylvania. The mother of Doctor Neff was Arabella (Van Devander) 
Neff, and she passed away in 1873. The subject of this review acquired his 
education in the public schools, after which he attended the academy at Hol- 
lidaysburg, Pennsylvania, and the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, 
graduating from the latter in 1887. He began the practice of his profession 
at Groton, South Dakota, where he remained about one year. Coming to 
California, he located in Lathrop, and in 1890 removed to Concord, where he 
has since resided. Fraternally, Doctor Neff holds membership in the Masonic 
lodge of Concord and the Royal Arch chapter in Martinez. On October 6, 
1897, he was united in marriage to Anna Williams, of Concord, daughter of 
Joseph Williams, one of the prominent and highly respected citizens of his 
locality. Previous to her marriage Mrs. Neff taught school for several years 
in Concord. Doctor and Mrs. Neff are esteemed by a wide circle of friends in 



BIOGRAPHICAL 569 

Concord and vicinity. The children of Doctor Neff are Dorothy, Philip Van 
Devander, Francis William, John K., and Benjamin Henry. 

GEORGE A. PUTNAM holds a prominent place among the representative 
agriculturists in Contra Costa County, He was born in Fruitvale, Alameda 
County, California, June 3, i860, and is the son of John H. and Elizabeth S. 
Putnam, who had eight children, five boys and three girls, all living. John 
H. Putnam died in 1907, and his wife passed away the same year. George A. 
Putnam received his education in the Pleasant Hill school near Walnut 
Creek, and in the San Ramon school. He entered the mercantile store of his 
father and uncle for a time, and in 1879 he removed to Washington, where 
he followed farming until 1882, when he returned to this county and entered 
the store of his uncle, where he remained for three years. Returning to 
Washington, he married Miss Grace Bracket, a granddaughter of William 
Hook, February 15, 1887. To this union have been born five children — George 
Blalock (who married Miss Francis Vessing, a native of New York State), 
Grace Bell (who is attending high school), Marion Bernice, John Van Al- 
stien, and Dorothy Hazel. Politically, Mr. Putnam is affiliated with the Re- 
publican party. He has served on the Concord high-school board for two 
terms. He is an extensive landowner, and operates one of the most modern 
dairies in the county. He supplies milk and cream to the county hospital in 
Martinez. His dairy is a model along sanitary lines, and every modern con- 
dition exists for the handling of milk. Mrs. Amanda (Hook) Bracket makes 
her home at present with Mr. Putnam. She is one of Contra Costa County's 
most respected women. She was born in 1842 and crossed the plains with her 
parents in 1850. She was educated in Martinez and graduated from the 
Young Ladies' Seminary at Benicia. She was married to Rufus Bracket in 
January, 1861. He was a pioneer merchant and rancher, and died in August, 
1889. Mr. Putnam has been identified largely with real-estate interests. He 
has enlarged his buildings and increased his stock, and today caters to a 
large and remunerative custom won by his progressive business methods 
and by the sterling qualities which distinguish his personal character. 

GEORGE FREDERICK GEARY, one of the representative ranchers and 
fruit-growers of Contra Costa County, was born in the Ygnacio Valley. He 
is a son of Lawrence Geary, one of the pioneers of California. His father 
was born in Baden, Germany, December 5, 1827. In March, 1848, he came to 
the United States. He landed in New York and went to Philadelphia, where 
he found employment on a farm. Remaining there six months, he went to St. 
Louis, and thence south to New Orleans, where he worked on a sugar plan- 
tation. In April, 1849, he went to Fort Leavenworth and resided two years. 
In 1852 he, in company with three others, started across the plains for Cali- 
fornia, and arrived at Hangtown on August 26, 1852. He followed mining 
for a short time, and in the fall of 1852 he came to Contra Costa County and 



570 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

engaged in farming. In the fall of 1878 he purchased four hundred acres of 
land and engaged in general farming, in Pleasant Hill district. Mr. Geary- 
was married on November 25, 1858, to Miss Jane Wallace, a native of Mis- 
souri. George Frederick Geary, the subject of this sketch, has fifty-five acres 
set out to w^alnuts, fruit, and vineyard. In politics Mr. Geary is a Republican. 
He has served as clerk and trustee of the Pleasant Hill school district for 
some time. Mr. Geary was married on September 11, 1889, to Emma Reeves, 
a native of Maine. To this union have been born two children — Mabel E., a 
teacher in the schools of San Leandro, and Gladys E., at home and attending 
school. The family attend the Methodist church. 

HENRY A. FORSBURG. — Through the successive stages of orderly pro- 
gression Henry A. Forsburg has advanced to his present position of respon- 
sibility and importance as general superintendent of the San Joaquin Valley 
trunk pipe-lines of the Standard Oil Company of California, with offices at 
San Pablo. He was born in Kane, McKean County, Pennsylvania, May 2, 
1874. He acquired his education in the public schools. At an early age he be- 
came identified with the Southern Pipe-Line Company of eastern Pennsyl- 
vania as pipe-line inspector. He later was made foreman of the pumping sta- 
tion. He then removed to New Jersey and had charge of loading oil-carry- 
ing vessels. In 1903 he removed to Chicago and was made assistant super- 
intendent on the Indiana pipe-line. In 1904 he was transferred to California 
as assistant superintendent of pipe-lines, and on March i, 1905, he was pro- 
moted to superintendent of the Southern Division. In 1907 Mr. Forsburg had 
charge of building the pipe-lines to the Midway fields from Bakersfield. 
Later, in 1907, he was transferred to the Northern Division, and in 1910 he 
was made general superintendent. He is a member of the American Society 
of Mechanical Engineers. Mr. Forsburg was united in marriage May 12, 
1896, to Miss Cresence Eisenman, of Clarion County, Pennsylvania. To this 
union there are two sons — Joseph A., born November 2, 1897, and Frank E., 
born December 25, 1900. Both sons are in the high school. Mr. Forsburg is 
popular in both business and social circles, and has won an extensive circle 
of warm friends in and around the Bay cities. 

HENRY FULLER BEEDE.— The life record of Henry Fuller Beede en- 
titles him pre-eminently to the distinctive title of one of the builders of An- 
tioch, and as such he has contributed a notable share to the material progress 
of Contra Costa County. Nearly all of his life has been spent in California. 
He is still wielding a substantial influence for the upbuilding of his locality, 
and possesses the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. He was vice-presi- 
dent and general manager of the Antioch Lumber Company, and is one of 
the oldest residents of Antioch, having located here in 1869. Mr. Beede was 
born in Farmington, Franklin County, Maine, November 16, 1850, son of 
Thomas and Lucia Sarah (Merrill) Beede. His father was a native of New 



BIOGRAPHICAL 571 

Hampshire, and his mother was born in Maine. His father came by boat via 
the Isthmus route to California, and remained in this State during the years 
of 1851 to 1853. He followed the livery business. He returned to his native 
State and took his family to Illinois when Henry was but five years of age. 
At the age of eighteen the subject of this sketch came to Antioch, where he 
has since resided. He first worked for his brother George, who was identi- 
fied with the mercantile interests of Antioch. He then, at the age of 21, 
worked for Galloway & Boobar, who were in the lumber business, and the 
originators of the present firm, of which Mr. Beede is now manager. He 
worked for them until 1877, when Mr. Galloway retired, and the business 
was run under the firm name of Rouse, Ferman & Beede. This firm contin- 
ued until Mr. Rouse sold his interest to Captain Simpson, of San Francisco, 
and the firm is now known as The Antioch Lumber Company, Mr. Beede, 
being the only original stockholder left. This concern is capitalized at one 
hundred thousand dollars. They do a general retail and jobbing business 
and conduct a planing-mill and lumber-yard in connection. Mr. Beede has 
witnessed and helped in the growth of Antioch. He was united in marriage 
to Margaret Ellen McNulty, a daughter of J. J. McNulty, April 13, 1872. To 
this union there have been eleven children — Harry McNulty, born April 13, 
1873, married to Leonora Scott, a native of California; Charles Frank Tyler, 
born October 15, 1874, married to Edith Little, a native of England, and their 
three children are Nancy Bell, Charles Austin, and Frank McNulty; Mary 
Lucia, born April 17, 1877, married to E. P. Rapp, whose death occurred 
July ID, 1916; Ralph Merrill, born January 14, 1879, married to Anna Kath- 
arine Menchen, a native of Colorado, and their children are Ruth May, 
Henry Fuller, and Katherine; Olive Beede, born November i, 1883, married 
to R. V. Davis, a native of Missouri, and their two children are Margaret 
Olive and William King; Le Roy Wemple, born January 21, 1883, married to 
Winifred Bassett, a native of California, and their two children are Carroll 
and Winifred; Arthur Chamberlain, born September 13, 1885, died September 
2, 1891; Nellie Geraldine, born August 6, 1888, married to W. J. Kelley, and 
they have one child, Patricia; Ramona Bell, born February 2, 1891, married 
to J. Ewell Cortner, a native of California; Margaret Alice, born August 14, 
1893, died June 24, 1895; Frank Rattan, born April 30, 1897, is attending the 
University of California. Mr. Henry Beede has always taken an active part 
in community affairs. He served on the town board for many years and was 
a member of the Republican County Central Committee. He served as presi- 
dent of the Eastern Contra Costa County Promotion Club. He, in connection 
with the Hon. J. P. Abbott, is largely responsible for the entrance of the 
Santa Fe Railroad into Antioch, They were the owners of the water-front, 
and deeded over their rights and warehouses to the railroad company at a 
very liberal figure. Mr. Beede is a director and stockholder in the Bank of 
Antioch, and is a stockholder in the Robert Dollar Steamship Company of 
San Francisco. Fraternally, Mr. Beede is a Mason and past master of An- 



572 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

tioch Lodge No. 175, F. & A. M., and is a member of the Royal Arch chapter 
and Eastern Star. 

EDWARD P. RAPP.— The name of the late Edward Rapp will long be 
cherished by the residents of Antioch and eastern Contra Costa County. He 
was a man of industry, activity, and enterprise. He held a high position 
among the respected citizens of his community, and for many years was in- 
timately associated with the business progress of Antioch. Mr. Rapp was a 
native of Jordanville, New York. Here he acquired his early schooling, and 
at the age of sixteen he came to California and located in Antioch, where he 
always remained. He was employed in the Belshaw store for a period of 
twenty-five years, where he held positions of importance and trust. In 1913 
he left the Belshaw firm and engaged in business, being associated with W. 
H. Weeks under the firm name of Rapp & Weeks. Mr. Rapp was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary Lucia Beede on February 15, 1899. There are left, be- 
sides the widow, three sisters and one brother. The sisters are Mrs. Mar- 
garet Belshaw, of Antioch, Mrs. Sadie DeWitt, of San Anselmo, Mrs. Teresa 
Griffith, of New Haven, Connecticut, and the brother is Carl Anthony Rapp, 
of Richfield Springs, New York. Fraternally, Mr. Rapp was a member of the 
Masonic lodge of Antioch. The name of Edward P. Rapp will be forever 
held in loving remembrance by the business men and community in which 
he lived. He was a broad-minded, public-spirited man and citizen. Mr. Rapp's 
death occurred July 10, 1916. 

GEORGE COPLE. — Nearly sixty years have come and gone since George 
Cople became associated with the frontier State of California. When he 
crossed the plains he was a young man, full of ambition, courage, and per- 
severance. He has been a dominant factor in the development of eastern 
Contra Costa County. Mr. Cople was born in Switzerland in 1837. He came 
to America in 1854, landing in New York City. He removed to Ohio, and 
later took up his residence in Chicago, where he remained until 1857. He 
had heard much about California, and it was about this time that he de- 
cided to cast his lot with the Golden West. He came here a young man, 
poor in pocket, but rich in ambition. In 1857, he drove teams from Leaven- 
worth, Kansas, in connection with soldiers going to Utah, and in 1858 he 
was ordered on to Benicia. For several years he found work in various parts 
of the State, largely following farming, and in 1867 he purchased three hun- 
dred and eighty-five acres near Byron. Mr. Cople was united in marriage 
to Margaret Eachus on April 17, 1870, and her death occurred in 1908, in her 
sixty-ninth year. To this union there were three children. Charles, the eldest 
of the family, was born on February 17, 1871. He was educated in the Ex- 
celsior school, after which he took a course in the San Jose Business Col- 
lege. Laying aside his books, he returned to the home place, and has always 
devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and for many years has had the 
management of the farm. On December 27, 1899, Charles Cople was married 



BIOGRAPHICAL 573 

to Miss Elsie Johnston, daughter of John and Mary Johnston, of San Mateo 
County. Mrs. Cople's parents were among the highly respected families and 
pioneers of their locality. Her father died in 1893 and her mother passed 
away in 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cople have one son, Kenneth D., born 
August 2, 1901, who is attending school. Mary Eva, the second child of 
George Cople, died at the age of sixteen years. Ralph G., the youngest child, 
was born July 15, 1882. He is identified with the stock business and resides 
in Livermore, California. He married Miss Georgia Tozer, a native daugh- 
ter. Both George and Charles Cople give their political support to the Re- 
publican party. The latter is a member of the Native Sons and a member of 
Byron Parlor. Charles is a valuable assistant and manager of the home 
ranch. He is broad-minded and public-spirited, and is one of the foremost 
in promoting the welfare of eastern Contra Costa County, and takes an ac- 
tive part in the prohibition movement. 

PERCY J. MOODY. — Among the representative men of eastern Contra 
Costa County who have been successfully engaged in ranching and horti- 
culture prominent mention should be made of Percy J. Moody. He is well 
known and progressive, and is constantly keeping in touch with the most 
advanced methods along his chosen field. He was born in Maine, on De- 
cember 4, 1859, a son of Gilman and Ellen Moody (deceased), both natives 
of Kennebec, Maine, In Mr. Moody's parents' family there were nine chil- 
dren, eight of whom are still living. One brother, however, of Mr. Moody 
came to the Pacific Coast. He makes his home in Fresno County. Percy J. 
Moody, the subject of this review, acquired his education in the public 
schools of his native State, and in 1879, at the age of nineteen, he came to 
California and located in Walnut Creek, where he learned the blacksmith 
trade with his uncle, J. S. Huntington, who was among the early pioneers 
of that locality. Mr. Moody remained in the employ of his uncle for three 
years, when he took over the shop and operated it for one year. He dis- 
posed of his interests and removed to Brentwood, where he engaged in 
business for nearly two years. He then engaged again in the blacksmith bus- 
iness at Brentwood, and operated his shop from 1884 to 1892, While a resi- 
dent of Brentwood, Mr. Moody was united in marriage to Mattie E. Pierce 
on August 6, 1885. Mr. Moody had eighty acres of choice land and set out 
twenty acres to orchard. He disposed of twenty acres to Frank Ayer and 
ten acres to Alfred Carlson. Mr. Moody has served as roadmaster for a 
period of twelve years, and his recent appointment in the same capacity will 
extend for another four years. To Mr. and Mrs. Moody have been born 
three children. Nellie May, wife of Charles Elsworth, of Knightsen, was 
born August 6, 1886. Rollin H. Moody was born in September, 1888, and 
married Miss Jean White, a native of California, on December i, 1907, and 
their one daughter, Violet Martha, was born in 1908. John Moody was born 
December 16, 1901. At present he is connected with the Bridgeford Dairy 



574 



HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 



Company. Politically, Mr. Moody is affiliated with the Republican party, 
and has attended the county convention for many years. He has served 
in the past as trustee on the local school board. Fraternally, he is 
a member of the Foresters Lodge of Brentwood and the I. O. O. F. of By- 
ron. Mrs. Moody's father, John T. Pierce, was a native of Ohio, and her 
mother was Sarah (White) Pierce. Her parents were united in marriage in 
the East, and they had five children. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce crossed the plains 
in the early '50s and settled in Sonoma County. Later they removed to Sac- 
ramento County, and in 1867 they came to eastern Contra Costa County. Mrs. 
Moody's father died on January 14, 1898, and her mother passed away on 
September 25, 1897. 

JOHN GEDDES. — Numbered among the representative and well-to-do ag- 
riculturists of eastern Contra Costa County is John Geddes. He is in every 
sense of the word a self-made man. By his energy and wise management he 
has earned a large and pleasantly located farm in eastern Contra Costa 
County. He is a native of Colchester County, Nova Scotia. He was born June 
23, 1836, a son of William and Mary Elizabeth Geddes. There were eight 
children born in the parents* family. George, a brother of the subject of this 
review, came to California in 1890, and died in 1900. In 1868 John Geddes 
came to California, via the Isthmus route, and landed in San Francisco. He 
went to San Joaquin County where he found employment at ranching for a 
period of fourteen years. In 1883 he removed to eastern Contra Costa Coun- 
ty and purchased three hundred and twenty acres near Byron, which he im- 
proved and brought up to a high state of cultivation. Mr. Geddes returned 
to Nova Scotia and was married to Miss Jessie Carroll, November 9, 1875, ^ 
daughter of Jerry Carroll. Mr. Geddes and his bride returned to Contra 
Costa County and began general farming. He has fifty acres of alfalfa. Each 
year he improved his place until now he has one of the best in the county. 
There were four sons and three daughters born to this union. They were 
Emma, wife of Robert Clark, a contractor of Knightsen; Elizabeth Mae, 
residing at home; George, residing on the Shafer ranch near Knightsen, was 
united in marriage to Mabel Shafer; Herbert, at home; Benjamin Harrison, 
at home, was united in marriage to Ruth Ellsworth; Lloyd, a rancher, was 
married to Miss Edith Chadwick; Margaret, attending college, preparing for 
a teacher. Mr. Geddes is active in matters pertaining to the advancement of 
eastern Contra Costa County, and especially in the good roads movement. 
Politically, he is a Republican. He has served for many years as trustee of 
the grammar and high school boards, Mr. Geddes has not only won the es- 
teem of his neighbors, but has a host of friends throughout his section. He 
is regarded as one of the main stays of his community. 

COLBURN JOHNSON PRESTON.— Conspicuous among the most capable 
and successful ranchers of Contra Costa County is Colburn Johnson Pres- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 575 

ton. He is a man of enterprise and keen foresight. He is among the early- 
settlers worthy of representation in the history of his chosen county, and 
has been actively identified with the development of the eastern part of the 
county for many years. Mr. Preston was born in Bradford County, Penn- 
sylvania, on July 16, 1837. He received his education in the public school of 
his native State, and was reared on a farm. In 1864 he came west via the 
Isthmus of Panama and found employment at ranching in Nevada. On elec- 
tion day, 1864, he came to California, and in 1865 he located in eastern Con- 
tra Costa County. When he located on his present farm there were no 
houses between his place and Antioch. Mr. Preston was united in marriage 
to Melissa Woodard, a native of Pennsylvania, in October, 1859, and her 
death occurred on February i, 1917. To this union there were seven children 
— Francis M., born January 2^, 1861, married Ida Buress of Bay Point, and 
their two children are Marion and Lloyd; Eva Sarah, born October 23, 1869, 
was united in marriage to Frank M. May, and their children are Marjorie 
and Evelyn; Rosa May, born February 13, 1872, and married George Daunt 
of Petaluma, and they have one daughter, Dorothea; Ida, wife of W. H. 
Engle, of Oakland, was born November 20, 1873; Jennie, born November 10, 
1875, and died September 8, 1902; Bertha Anna, born March 8, 1879, and 
married Leslie V. Richardson on August 27, 1902, and has two children, 
Reginald and Gwendolyn; Mott C, born July 16, 1882, and married Winifred 
Shafer on October 12, 1904. Mr. Preston has always been energetic and am- 
bitious, and is a typical representative of a self-made man, and has always 
had the respect and esteem of his fellow-men. In 1904 Mr. Preston retired, 
and has spent some years in Berkeley, Antioch, Stockton, and now makes 
his home in Brentwood. He was one of the first ranchers to put in alfalfa 
in his locality. He set out every tree on his ranch, and in 1867 reaped all the 
grain on the west side from Bay Point to Visalia. In politics he is a Repub- 
lican, and for many years served as a school trustee in the Excelsior dis- 
trict. He also served on the high-school board of Brentwood. 

MORITZ GUNAUER. — Energy, executive ability, and well-directed am- 
bition, guided and controlled by sound and practical judgment, have con- 
stituted the foundation upon which Moritz Gunauer has built his success, 
and these qualities have brought him prosperity in business. He was born 
in Germany on January 3, 1862. He acquired his education in his native land. 
His parents passed away twelve years ago. In the parents' family there 
were four children. Johanna, wife of H. Chain of Tracy, is the only sister 
of Mr. Gunauer in America. After attending school, Moritz came to Ameri- 
ca and to San Joaquin County, where he had a second cousin who was iden- 
tified with the mercantile business at Ellis, near Tracy. In this store, Moritz 
acquired his business training. He advanced naturally because he was am- 
bitious, energetic, and quick to recognize opportunity. He remained in his 
cousin's store for twelve years. In 1881 he removed to Byron, where he en- 



576 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

gaged in the mercantile business. He made an excellent record in his 
cousin's store, and ever since he established the Byron store he has been 
known as a conscientious and painstaking merchant. He holds to high ideals 
in business relations, and his sterling manhood has gained for him the warm 
and enduring regard of all with whom he has ever come in contact. In 1882 
Mr. Gunauer erected the first warehouse in Byron. This was destroyed by 
fire on June 19, 1916. He at once erected a modern, corrugated iron ware- 
house, 50 by 100 feet, which was completed October i, 1916. He also owns 
four hundred and eighty acres of land, which he has leased. Fraternally, he 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Byron. He has served on the Byron school 
board for a number of years. Mr. Gunauer was united in marriage on De- 
cember 6, 1888, to Miss R. Frank, a native of San Francisco, a daughter of 
Edward Frank, a prosperous merchant of that city. To Mr. and Mrs. Gunauer 
has been born Jeanette Byron, wife of Roy A. Badt of San Francisco. He 
is a consulting engineer and a member of the firm of Fisher & Badt. 

CHARLES A. SWEENEY. — Among the men who by reason of their per- 
sonal integrity, ability, and personal enterprise have come to be regarded as 
representative citizens and leading business men of Contra Costa County, is 
numbered Charles A. Sweeney. He is a native of San Francisco, born on 
August 14, 1857, son of William B. and Nora (Hartnett) Sweeney, both na- 
tives of Ireland. Mr. Sweeney's father came to California in 1849 and his 
mother came in 1850. The father came in a sailing-ship via Cape Horn, and 
was one of the first men to take up the vocation of teaming in San Fran- 
cisco, which he followed for many years. His death occurred in 1909 in An- 
tioch. His wife passed away in 1906. The subject of this sketch received his 
education in the public schools of San Francisco, and at an early age he 
learned the butcher business, which he followed for many years in San 
Francisco. In June, 1880, he removed to Contra Costa County. His first work 
in his new field was that of foreman for a firm which dealt extensively in 
hogs. The hogs were shipped from various points in the valleys to Antioch, 
and Mr. Sweeney would fatten them and put them in condition for the mar- 
ket. He was soon firmly established in Antioch, and was made constable, 
which office he held in a most satisfactory manner for over twenty years. He 
has also been identified with the business interests of Antioch for many 
years. He was appointed city marshal by the board of trustees of Antioch in 
February, 1914, which office he has held continuously since. In politics Mr. 
Sweeney is a Democrat and has taken a keen interest in matters pertaining 
to the upbuilding of his town and county. He served as deputy sheriff un- 
der James Rankin during his incumbency. In 1879 Mr. Sweeney was united 
in marriage to Mary J. Curtis, a native of San Francisco. To this union have 
been born three children — Charles D., of San Francisco; Estella J., wife of 
William J. Beasley, of San Francisco; and Edward S., a traveling salesman. 
Mr. Sweeney is a member of the Native Sons, the Eagles, the Foresters of 



BIOGRAPHICAL 577 

America, and the Young Men's Institute. The family are members of the 
Catholic church. Mr. Sweeney has served as secretary of the Eagles' Lodge 
No. 785 of Antioch for over ten years. He interests himself deeply in matters 
of public import, and his labors have been of distinct advantage to Contra 
Costa County. 

PATRICK ROYCE. — The subject of this narrative was a native of County 
Wexford, Ireland. He came to this country in 1849 in the British ship "At- 
lantic." He served as first officer under Captain James Quinn. He followed 
mining in California and Idaho for a time. He again followed the seas for 
some years, and in 1873 he settled in Contra Costa County. He was identi- 
fied to quite an extent in stock-raising on New York Island for some years, 
after which he engaged in the hotel business in Pittsburg. He was lighthouse 
tender for a time and for a number of years, and up to the time of his death, 
was mail carrier in Pittsburg. Mr. Royce was married to Mary Carty, a na- 
tive of County Wexford, Ireland. To this union was born three children, 
one of whom, John Royce, was born in Pittsburg and received his education 
in the public schools of that town. He followed various vocations early in 
life, and in 1907 he went to Alaska, where he engaged in the fish business. 
Returning to Pittsburg, he engaged in the electrical business and later 
opened a garage in connection with his other line. Fraternally, he is a mem- 
ber of the B. P. O. E. of Richmond. His sister Margaret was appointed post- 
mistress in December, 1911, and held that office until her death, which oc- 
curred on February 8, 1915. She discharged her official duties in a prompt, 
capable, and efficient manner. Her demise was regretted by all who knew 
her. Mary, John's other sister, was born in San Francisco on July 18, 1879, 
and was assistant in the post-office. At the time of her sister's death she was 
made postmistress, and still holds that office. 

ROBERT F. ROBERTSON is numbered among the representative ranch- 
ers of eastern Contra Costa County, and the success he has achieved is the 
result of his own efforts. He was born in Scotland on September 6, 1884, son 
of John and Jessie Robertson, both deceased. Mr. Robertson acquired his 
education in the public schools of his native land. Early in life he assisted 
on his father's farm, and afterward worked out. In 1903 he came to America, 
and located at once in Contra Costa County, renting a quarter-section of 
land on Kellogg Creek, belonging to J. H. Brown. On March 11, 1909, he was 
united in marriage to Anna Isert, a native of San Francisco, daughter of 
John and Minnie Isert. A daughter, Edith, was born on December 7, 1910. 
Fraternally, Mr. Robertson is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Byron. He has 
always been identified with farming pursuits, and during the summer months 
finds it profitable to operate a hay-pressing machine. He has also done much 
work for Balfour, Guthrie & Co. Mrs. Robertson's parents are now located 
at Lathrop, California. They were among the early ranchers at Knightsen 



578 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

and Antioch, having spent thirty years in each place doing general farming. 
Mr. and Mrs. Robertson have many friends in their locality. By good man- 
agement they have brought their ranch to a high state of cultivation. 

JOSEPH M. McAVOY is an active and enterprising representative of busi- 
ness interests in Pittsburg, as purchasing agent and manager for the David 
Israel General Store, which important position he has held since the fall of 
1904. His birth occurred in Empire, a mining town near Pittsburg, Contra 
Costa County, October 4, 1878. He is the son of John and Maria McAvoy. 
His father was a native of Ireland, and his mother was from Pennsylvania. 
The parents of Mr. McAvoy married in Pennsylvania and came to the Coast 
in 1853, settling first in Placer County, where his father became identified 
with mining interests. The mother, with their nine children, made her home 
in Somersville while her husband was working in Placer County. He passed 
away in the mining camp, and his body was brought to Downieville. Joseph 
M. McAvoy, the subject of this sketch, acquired his education in the public 
schools of Somersville. He was united in marriage to Miss Amy V. Harris 
on September 25, 1901, after which they moved to San Francisco and Mr. 
McAvoy worked at the coppersmith trade for a period of three years. In the 
fall of 1904 they returned to Black Diamond (now Pittsburg), and Mr. Mc- 
Avoy became identified with the store. Their one son, Joseph Ernest, was 
born on June 9, 1902. The parents of Mrs. McAvoy were David D. Harris, a 
native of Wales, and her mother, Levina Harris, was also a native of the 
same country. They were married in San Francisco and were the parents of 
three children — Amy V., Daniel, and William. Mr. McAvoy is a Republican. 
He has served as town trustee for six years, and has been on the school 
board for four years. He is a member of Diamond Parlor No. 246, N. S. G. 
W., the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Knights of Pythias, all of Pitts- 
burg. Mrs. McAvoy served as postmistress in Summerville for two years 
after she finished her education in San Francisco. The grandmother of Mrs. 
McAvoy, Mrs. Mary Humphrey, came to California via the Isthmus route 
about 1850. She is still living, and is now in her eighty-fifth year. Mrs. Mc- 
Avoy is a member of Sterling Parlor No. 146, N. D. G. W., of Pittsburg, and 
takes an active part in its work. She was elected grand outside sentinel in 
1910, which office she held one year. She then filled the office of inside sen- 
tinel for one year. Se has served as grand inside sentinel and grand marshal. 
She served on the board of grand trustees for three years. She was clerk one 
year and chairman of board two years. Mrs. McAvoy established Sterling 
Parlor with twenty-two members, and now the membership has reached 
eighty-two. Mr. McAvoy instituted Diamond Parlor with twenty-two mem- 
bers, and it has increased to one hundred members. Mr. and Mrs. McAvoy are 
well-known and highly esteemed citizens, and their substantial qualities have 
gained for them many friends in the Bay counties, in fact all over Califor- 
nia. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 579 

FRANK R. GREEN, one of the most prominent and progressive citizens 
of eastern Contra Costa County, and one whose labors have been effective 
forces in the development of the county, was born near Minneapolis, Minne- 
sota, December 18, 1858, son of George W. (a native of New York State) 
and Mary E. (Roberts) Green, who was born in Massachusetts. The parents 
of Mr, Green were married in the early '50s. His father was one of the 
prominent attorneys in his locality and served as district judge in Beaver 
Dam, Wisconsin, for twelve years. He served as State Representative in 
1857. The subject of this sketch received a common-school education, after 
which he attended the University in Minneapolis. In June, 1881, he came to 
California and located in Fresno County. Here he found employment at 
ranching, and for two years he milked a string of thirty cows. He taught 
school at Hills Valley for a period of six years and at River Dale for three 
years. He then taught in various other localities for a number of years. He 
ranched in Fresno County, having had three ranches of forty acres each. He 
disposed of his land holdings and removed to Merced County, where he was 
made principal of the Los Banos city school for a period of seven years, and 
served as president of the board of education during this time. He also served 
as head of the Menlo Park schools in 1903. Mr. Green engaged in fruit-rais- 
ing, and owned two orchards in Monterey County which he traded for Oak- 
land property. In 1910 he removed to eastern Contra Costa County and pur- 
chased the Heck place of forty acres, which is all in almonds and walnuts. 
He is also engaged in the hog business to quite an extent, and makes a 
specialty of registered Berkshire stock, Mr. Green has brought his place up 
to a high state of cultivation, and has one of the most modern homes in the 
eastern part of the county. He is also engaged in the real-estate business, 
and at all times manifests a public-spirited devotion to the general good of 
his community. He was united in marriage to Miss Amy I. Malsbary on Jan- 
uary 30, 1887. To this union have been born four children — Ivy (who died in 
childhood), Watros Earl, Henrietta Mae, and Grace Genevieve. In politics 
Mr. Green is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He is a member 
of the Fraternal Brotherhood. His father died in 1897 at the age of seventy- 
seven years; his mother resides in Los Banos. Mr. Green concentrates his 
energies upon his business interests, which are of growing importance. He 
has met with success in the real-estate line, and the efforts of his wife along 
this line are of untold value. Mr. Green has an individual way in his adver- 
tising. He has erected a large sign in front of his handsome place which 
causes much laughter to the passing automobiles. It reads, "Slow down if 
you read this. Real Estate in all its branches." 

IRA E. CARPER, a successful business man of Pittsburg, California, was 
born in Cass County, Nebraska, March 18, 1869. He is a son of Harvey and 
Agnes Carper, both honored citizens of Virginia. The parents of Mr. Carper 
had thirteen children — seven sons and six daughters — two of whom died 



58o HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

when young. In all his relations of life the father has proved himself a val- 
ued and useful citizen, ever ready to give his support to those measures that 
were right. The subject of this review was raised on a farm and received a 
common-school education. Leaving the farm, he learned the barber trade. 
He followed this trade with success and worked in many of the large cities 
in the West. In 1897 he came to California and drove cattle from Billings, 
Montana, to Idaho. He worked four years at Fort Bidwell in the cattle busi- 
ness. He then located in Sonora, Tuolumne County, California, and became 
identified with the Sierra Railway in the capacity of freight agent for one 
year, which was in 1901. He then removed to Watsonville and worked on a 
farm for two years. He also followed his trade for two years in Watsonville. 
He came to San Francisco and later to Oakland. In 1905 he removed to 
Black Diamond, now Pittsburg, following his trade from 1905 to 1908, and in 
September he removed to Antioch, where he operated a barber-shop. On 
September 27, 191 1, he returned to Pittsburg and engaged in business. Politi- 
cally, Mr. Carper is affiliated with the Democratic party. He was elected 
town trustee in the spring of 1908. He served until he removed to Antioch. 
On May 10, 1916, he was elected town trustee for the four-year term. Fra- 
ternally, Mr. Carper is a member of I. O. O. F. of Fort Bidwell, the Eagles, 
the Ancient Order of Foresters, and the I. D. E. S. of Pittsburg. Mr. Carper 
was united in marriage to K'atherine Ole, a native of Indiana, May i, 191 1. 
Mr. Carper is a supporter of public movements for the betterment of his 
locality, and his success in life has been well deserved. 

FRANK X. SMITH. — Prominent among the representative men of eastern 
Contra Costa County is Frank X. Smith. He was born in San Francisco on 
December 3, 1868, son of Andrew and Catherine (Kelly) Smith. Mr. Smith's 
father was a native of County Cavan, Ireland, where he was reared, and at 
the age of seventeen he came to America, and located in Illinois. Later he 
went to Utah and then to California, He found employment in Los Angeles 
at different vocations for a time, and later worked in the mines at Knoxville. 
He remained here for a time and then decided to engage in ranching. In 
1868, he bought a settler's riglit to one hundred and sixty acres of land, 
which he improved and put out an orchard and vineyard. Ten years later he 
bought another quarter-section of land; a little later he purchased another 
quarter-section, and again one hundred and seventy acres, until he owned at 
the time of his death, which occurred in 1906, about eight hundred acres. For 
twenty years he rented and farmed five hundred acres of land on the Marsh 
ranch. The parents of Frank X. Smith were united in marriage in San Fran- 
cisco, and to this union were born three children — Frank X., the subject of 
this review; Andrew J., identified with the home ranch; and John W., phy- 
sician and surgeon, who died in 1908. Dr. John W. Smith was a graduate of 
the Cooper Medical College of San Francisco, and was one of the prominent 
physicians of San Francisco. He assisted and did much professional work 



BIOGRAPHICAL 581 

during the big fire in San Francisco. Andrew J., was born in 1870, educated 
in the public schools of Contra Costa County, and later attended the Stock- 
ton Business College. He has always been identified with agricultural pur- 
suits. Frank X. acquired his education in the public schools after which he 
took a business course. Frank X, Smith was united in marriage to Mary A. 
Lynch, a native of San Francisco, daughter of Philip and Ellen Lynch, May 
22, 1900. Their two children are Mary Alberta, attending high school in 
Brentwood, and Clarence F., attending school. Fraternally, Mr. Smith is a 
member of the Eagles lodge of Antioch and the Young Men's Institute. The 
family are members of the Catholic church of Antioch. 

LORENZO GRANT PLUMLEY,— Among the citizens of Byron and east- 
ern Contra Costa County none is more highly esteemed or remembered 
with greater affection than Alonzo Plumley, the father of the subject of this 
biography. Alonzo Plumley was an early pioneer of Contra Costa County, 
He was born in St. Lawrence County, New York, August 12, 1830, and died 
May 29, 1916. When but a small boy his father died and his mother married 
again, the family moving to Canada. At the age of seventeen Alonzo left 
home and went to Cook County, Illinois, where he remained until March 21, 
1853. On that date, with his young wife, they started across the plains with 
horse-teams. They came direct to Contra Costa County, and settled in the 
Ygnacio Valley, and in the fall of 1864 he purchased the present farm of 
one hundred and sixty acres near Byron, where he successfully engaged in 
stock-raising and farming. Alonzo Plumley married Miss Julia E. Chilson, 
March i, 1853. Of this union twelve children were born — Levina Elizabeth, 
Sarah Eleanor, Charles Eugene, Olive A., Ida E. (wife of A. F. Byer, of 
Byron, died December 20, 1897), Alonzo Monroe, Lorenzo Grant, Willard 
Olney, Emma Lydia, Edith Orela, Lillie Julia, and Lulu Maud. Alonzo Plum- 
ley was active in laying out and grading roads in the Byron section, and did 
much towards beautifying the town. Lorenzo Grant was born January 7, 
1866. He was educated in the public school in the Point of Timber district. 
He moved to Mendocino County, and took up one hundred and sixty acres 
of redwood timber, and after spending one year in that country he returned 
and ranched on the Marsh grant. Here he remained for five years. In 1899 
he engaged in the mercantile business in Byron, which he has since con- 
tinued. In politics he is a Republican, but has never aspired to office. Fra- 
ternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F. of Byron. Lorenzo Plumley was 
united in marriage to Mary Jane Gann of Brentwood, born December i, 
1879. To this union there have been three children — Rodney S., born Octo- 
ber I, 1902; Blanche Marietta, born May 16, 1908; Lorenzo Grant, Jr., born 
July 30, 1911. His wife is a member of Donner Parlor, N. D. G. W., of Byron. 
Alonzo Monroe Plumley was born December 19, 1863. He was educated in 
the public school in Excelsior District, after which he returned to the home 
place and purchased twenty acres, later buying eighty acres more. In 1914, 



582 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

he sold the eighty acres, and is now identified with the fruit business and 
general farming. He was married to Elizabeth H. Livingstone on December 
6, 1894. Their one son, Henry Alonzo, is in the automobile business in Berke- 
ley. Charles Eugene Plumley was born January 9, 1859. After his schooling, 
he remained on the home place, with the exception of a few years he spent 
in Mendocino and Santa Clara counties. In the latter place he followed con- 
tracting and building. Willard O. Plumley was born April 20, 1868, and was 
educated in Santa Clara and Mendocino counties, where he followed mill- 
work. Twenty years ago he returned to the home ranch, with which he has 
since been identified. He takes an active part in the prohibition movement, 
and is a member of the Methodist church. 

HENRY C. McCABE, one of the progressive and representative ranchers 
of eastern Contra Costa County, was born on October 5, 1844, in Illinois. He 
is a son of Thomas McCabe, who was numbered among the pioneers of this 
section, his activities being a force in progress and his citizenship a valuable 
asset to the eastern section. Thomas McCabe was born in Guernsey County, 
Ohio, May 28, 1810. He acquired his early education in the local schools of 
his locality. At the age of eighteen he engaged in boating on the Ohio 
River, and later on the Wabash River in Indiana, which was in 1830. Later 
he removed to Illinois, where he followed farming for four years. The bal- 
ance of the time until 1850 he farmed in various counties in Illinois. On May 
8, 1850, he with a company of others crossed the plains to the new mining 
camps. Mr. McCabe was chosen captain of the party. They arrived in Pla- 
cerville, August 3, 1850. Mr. McCabe engaged in mining at once, and followed 
this vocation for two years, when he returned to his home in Illinois. In the 
spring of 1853 he returned with his family to this coast and located at Snow 
Point, Nevada County, where he again engaged in mining pursuits until 
1857. He then took up farming in Solano County for three years. The next 
five years he spent on a ranch in Napa County. In the fall of 1867 Mr. Mc- 
Cabe moved to Contra Costa County and purchased one hundred and sixty 
acres of railroad land, and his son, Henry C, purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres adjoining. Thomas McCabe was united in marriage to Miss 
Maria Peacock, a native of Ohio, January 12, 1831. To this union have been 
born nine children. The subject of this review, Henry McCabe, became iden- 
tified with ranching. This vocation he followed until he disposed of his 
holdings and retired three years ago. Henry C. purchased the one hundred 
and sixty acres belonging to his father after the latter's death, which oc- 
curred on December 3, 1888, and continued to operate both places until he re- 
tired. He disposed of fifteen acres to the Standard Oil Company, where they 
now have a pumping station named McCabe. The remainder of the ranch, 
consisting of three hundred acres, was sold to Doctor Fredericks, of San 
Francisco. Henry C. was united in marriage to Sarah A. Powell on March 
23, 1870. To this union there have been four children. Henry Herbert was 



BIOGRAPHICAL 583 

born January 3, 1891, and died December i, 1916. Clara E. and Thomas Clif- 
ford (twins) were born on June 13, 1880. Clara E. died at the age of twelve. 
Clifford has resided for the past three years in Fresno County, where he has 
managed his father's ranch. He married Miss Lena Grennenger, of Contra 
Costa County, and their three daughters are Genevieve, Helen, and Grace. 
Pearl E. McCabe was born April 3, 1872, and was united in marriage to 
George E. Martin, of Watsonville, California. To this union have been born 
Henry A., Kenneth, and Maria N. Thomas McCabe was a broad-minded 
man, liberal in thought and honorable in purpose, and his life was fruitful 
of good results. His son, Henry C, whose name heads this review, is an 
intensely loyal and public-spirited citizen of Contra Costa County. 

JOHN HENRY ADAMS, M. D., who is successfully engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine in Crockett, California, is well known as a representative 
of that class of progressive professional men who utilize the most advanced 
methods of medical science, his broad reading and earnest study keeping 
him in touch with the advancement that is being continually made by the 
profession. Doctor Adams is a native son, and was born in Lodi, San Joa- 
quin County, March 7, 1888. He acquired his education in the public schools, 
after which he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons of San Fran- 
cisco, graduating with the class of 191 1. He served as house physician in the 
Trinity Hospital one year. He was appointed to the chair of Visceral An- 
atomy in the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Doctor Adams practiced in 
San Francisco from September, 1912, to December, 1913, when he removed 
to Crockett. Fraternally, he is a member of the Native Sons, B. P. O. E., I. 
O. O. F., Red Men, Eagles, Moose, W. O. W., I. D. E. S., and the Y. M. C. A. 
Doctor Adams was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Burgess on April 2T, 
1912. To this union there is one son, John Henry, Jr., born January 22, 1916. 
Doctor Adams is a member of the Alpha Kappa Kappa, a medical fraternity. 
He is a member of the American Medical Association and the Contra Costa 
Medical Society. He is the physician for the California Sugar Refinery. Doc- 
tor Adams' father was a representative rancher and citizen of Lodi. He died 
on May 27, 1909, and his mother passed away September 7, 1893. Doctor 
Adams is regarded as a reliable, far-sighted, and progressive professional 
man. He has secured a large and representative patronage. 

WILLIAM W. MORGANS, who enjoys recognition as one of the leading 
and enterprising business men of Brentwood, has won merited success. He 
is engaged in the general mercantile business and was born in Nortonville, 
Contra Costa County, January 3, 1869. His father, Watkin P. Morgans, is a 
native of Wales, and was born in 1842. He came to America with his parents 
when a mere child, and they located in Pennsylvania. Watkin P. came to the 
Coast in January, 1864, via the Panama route. He followed mining for some 
years, and married in Sutter Creek to Elizabeth Davis, and her death occurred 




584 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

in 1892. In 1868 he removed to Nortonville, where he was identified with the 
mines for a number of years as assistant superintendent. William W. Mor- 
gans, the only son, received his education in the public schools of Norton- 
ville, after which he attended a military college in Sonoma County. He then 
took a business course, and at the age of seventeen years he entered the gen- 
eral store of W. A. Davis, of Brentwood. He was soon made manager of the 
store. This position he filled in a capable manner, and under his management 
the business expanded. Later the business was made a stock company. In 
1906 Mr. Morgans bought out the other stockholders, and has since run the 
business in such a manner as to cause its growth and expansion until today 
it is one of the largest and best mercantile stores in eastern Contra Costa 
County. Mr. Morgans gives his political support to the Republican party. He 
served as school trustee for many years and during his office he was instru- 
mental in freeing the school debt. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ma- 
sonic lodge of Brentwood, and the chapter of Antioch. In November, 1890, 
Mr. Morgans was united in marriage to Ida L. Wills, daughter of Thomas 
N. Wills, one of the old and respected citizens who came to this county in 
the early days and bought much land where Antioch is now located. There 
were two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Morgans. One child died in infancy, 
and William J., born in 1891, is assisting in the store. Mr. Morgans is re- 
garded as a reliable and progressive business man, and takes a keen interest 
in matters pertaining to the development and upbuilding of Brentwood and 
surrounding country. 

EDWARD M. DOWNER.— The name of Edward M. Downer has come to 
be regarded as synonymous with banking and business interests in Contra 
Costa County. He has been guided and controlled by a spirit of enterprise 
and progress. He is a man of varied interests, and for many years the influ- 
ence of his ability and personality has been a constructive element in the ad- 
vancement of the county. He was born in Yuba County, California, April 28, 
1869, the son of James Edward Downer. His father was a native of New 
York State. Mr. Downer's father crossed the plains during the pioneer days 
and engaged in mining until his death, which occurred at the age of seventy- 
five. The subject of this review acquired his education in the public schools 
of Nevada City, after which he studied telegraphy and filled various posi- 
tions of importance and trust with the Southern Pacific Company. On Feb- 
ruary I, 1891, he was made station agent and operator at Pinole. He served 
as postmaster at this place for several years. In 1894 he established the 
Pinole Times, the first and only paper ever published in that town. Mr. Dow- 
ner has been active in banking and real-estate matters in this county. He is 
president of the Bank of Pinole, of the Bank of Crockett, and of the Me- 
chanics Bank of Richmond. Under his wise and able management q41 three 
banks have grown to their present proportions and importance. More ex- 
tended mention of the history of these banks will be found in the banking 



BIOGRAPHICAL 585 

chapter. It is largely due to Mr. Downer and to his progressive policies that 
the banks in Richmond, Pinole, and Crockett have become what they are 
today in the commercial and financial life of the three places. Mr. Downer 
was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Bouquet, a native of Contra Costa 
County, and a daughter of the late Frederick Bouquet. To this union have 
been born two children — Hazel I., born April 15, 1898, attending Mills Col- 
lege, and Edward M., Jr., born August 13, 1905, now attending school. Mr. 
Downer is a Royal Arch Mason, and has filled the various chairs in his chap- 
ter. He is regarded as one of the substantial and reliable upbuilders of Con- 
tra Costa County. 

CHARLES AXEL SMITH.— High in the list of those who by their great- 
ness of achievement in industry and commerce have added luster to the bril- 
liant star of American enterprise is Charles Axel Smith, of the C. A. Smith 
Lumber Company, of the C. A. Smith Lumber & Manufacturing Company 
of Marshfield, Oregon, of the C. A. Smith Timber Company, and of the Coos 
Bay Lumber Company, holding probably twenty billion feet of standing tim- 
ber in Oregon and California. He was born in the province of Ostergotland, 
Sweden, December 11, 1852. At the age of fourteen, with his father and sister, 
he came from his native land to the United States and settled, as has been 
largely the case with immigrants from his native country, in Minnesota. He 
attended the public schools of Minneapolis from 1869 to 1871, and from 1872 
to 1873 he was a student of the University of Minnesota. While attending 
school he lived with John S. Pillsbury, who had served several years as Gov- 
ernor of Minnesota, working during his spare time in the winter and being 
employed in the Governor's hardware store in Minneapolis during his sum- 
mer vacations. Because of his ill-health, he reluctantly abandoned his ambi- 
tion for a complete university education, and became a regular employee in 
Governor Pillsbury's hardware store until 1878. At that time, with the help 
of Governor Pillsbury, he went to Herman, Minnesota, then a new town on 
the line of the Great Northern Railway. He here built an elevator and opened 
an implement store and lumber business, conducting the enterprise for six 
years under the name of C. A. Smith & Co., with Governor Pillsbury as an 
equal partner. In addition to this enterprise, retail lumber yards were opened 
by Mr. Smith at Evansville, Bandon, and Ashby, Minnesota. During these 
six years, Mr. Smith was successful, clearing in the Herman business for 
his firm $50,000, and in his other ventures $40,000, an equal half of this sum 
being his individual profits. In 1884 Governor Pillsbury, who had loaned a 
considerable sum of money to loggers who were unable to pay their debts, 
asked Mr. Smith to buy their logs and manufacture them into lumber. To 
this Mr. Smith agreed, and organized the lumber manufacturing firm of C. A. 
Smith & Co. The first purchases of logs, as well as all handled by the firm 
until 1891, were sawed at custom mills at Minneapolis. Then they bought a 
mill, which, however, burned down six weeks later. Another mill was shortly 



586 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

thereafter purchased. In 1893, when the business was incorporated as the C. 
A. Smith Lumber Company (Minnesota), it began its corporate career by 
building the largest, most expensive and complete mill up to that time 
erected in the Northwest, a mill which, in a few years later, broke all records 
in turning out in eleven hours with three band-saws and a gang approxi- 
mately six hundred thousand feet of lumber, seventy-one and one-half thou- 
sand feet of lath, and one hundred thirty thousand shingles. It also made a 
weekly average of one million ten thousand feet a day of twenty hours. 
With his business in Minneapolis firmly established, Mr. Smith was not blind 
to the fact that the future must be looked after if lumbermen would survive 
the day when the now almost depleted forests in Minnesota would be shorn 
of their standing timber. He then began investment on the Pacific Coast, 
first by the purchase of a redwood tract in Humboldt County, California, 
later by the accumulation of a huge acreage in southwestern Oregon and 
then by the buying of a large stand of sugar and Western yellow pine in El 
Dorado County, California. While the California properties have been al- 
lowed to stand for future needs, Mr. Smith early in 1907 began the erection 
of a model lumber-manufacturing plant at Marshfield, on Coos Bay, Ore- 
gon. As Mr. Smith's timber was all tributary to tidewater, and as he well ap- 
preciated the economy of ocean freights, he looked about for the estab- 
lishing of a distributing plant that could handle the product of his timber 
holdings as the manufacturing plants were gradually installed. After inves- 
tigating thoroughly, in the spring of 1908 he purchased a tract of land on 
Suisun Bay, forty miles from San Francisco, and established what is known 
as the Bay Point plant and the prosperous village of Bay Point at that place. 
At Bay Point Mr. Smith has probably one of the most complete and model 
lumber, milling, and warehousing plants in the United States. The Marsh- 
field sawmill and the Bay Point planing-mill plants are equipped with every 
modern device known to the industry. Mr. Smith has been a forerunner 
amongst the lumbermen for labor-saving devices in the manufacturing and 
handling of his product. Naturally the question of transporting the manu- 
factured material from Marshfield to Bay Point necessitated the building of 
steamers. Of such, Mr. Smith has two in his service, the "Nann Smith" and 
the "Adeline Smith," named for his daughters. These vessels were construct- 
ed on Mr. Smith's own plans, and every stick of lumber is handled by elec- 
tric cranes at the Marshfield end in packages, each package averaging fifteen 
hundred to two thousand feet, such packages being stowed on shipboard in- 
tact, and at Bay Point being removed by electric cranes in the same manner. 
By this device, which has brought Mr. Smith much renown, he is able to 
load, transport, and discharge a vessel's cargo of a million and three-quarter 
to two million feet of lumber every five days, the distance traversed in that 
time being about eight hundred and fifty miles. As a lumberman, Mr. Smith 
has always been prominent, and has been signally honored in the highest 
councils of the industry, having served as vice-president of the National 



BIOGRAPHICAL 587 

Lumber Manufacturers' Association, a member of its board of governors, 
and as adviser and director of the Mississippi Valley Lumbermen's Asso- 
ciation. Despite his vast private interests, Mr, Smith has found time to be 
a patron of the arts, a spirited public citizen, a philanthropist, a church sup- 
porter, and an active participator in public affairs. In 1896, he was presiden- 
tial elector from Minneapolis, destined to carry to the national capital that 
State's vote for McKinley and Hobart. He also was a delegate to the Re- 
publican National Convention which nominated McKinley and Roosevelt. 
He has been an officer in the General Council of the Lutheran Church in 
America. He has served many years as a regent of the University of Minne- 
sota, one of the highest offices in the gift of the governor of a State. Mr. 
Smith, while an American of undivided allegiance, is greatly interested in 
the welfare of the Scandinavian people in this country and the fatherland. 
He took a prominent part in the relief of famine sufferers in Norland, and 
has made substantial gifts to Scandinavian schools and churches in this 
country. In recognition of the services he has rendered the sons of Sweden 
in the United States and elsewhere, he has been signally honored by the King 
of Sweden, having been created Knight Commander of the Second Degree of 
the order of Vasa. For several years Mr. Smith occupied the post of Swedish 
consul in Minneapolis. On February 14, 1878, Mr. Smith married Miss Jo- 
hanna Anderson. Of this marriage have been born three sons (Oscar, the 
eldest, accidentally killed when seventeen years of age, and Vernon A. and 
Carroll W., holding responsible position with the C. A. Smith corporations) 
and three daughters (Nann, now Mrs. Frederick A. Warner, Adeline, and 
Myrtle, now Mrs. Philip Rodgers, of Honolulu). The family home is located 
in Berkeley, California. 

JOHN JOSEPH SULLENGER was born on January 8, 1868, at Oakville, 
Napa County, California, on the ranch of George Yount. He attended the 
public school at Rutherford, and afterward, in 1882, graduated from Heald's 
Business College in San Francisco. He then worked at surveying in different 
parts of the State, and at one time helped the noted engineer, A. W. Von 
Schmidt, lay out the Marsh grant. He was next employed for some time by 
T. N. Wills, of Antioch. Eventually, in 1888, he bought the ranch in Lone 
Tree Valley, where he now resides. In 1897 he was married to Annie Eliza- 
beth Love, and of this union there are three sons and one daughter — John 
Dugald, born September 14, 1899, graduating 1917 from Liberty Union High 
School, Brentwood; Archibald McKinnon, born March 27, 1901, second year 
in high school 1917; Robert Love, born September 4, 1902, attending gram- 
mar school; Annie Elise, born May 26, 1905, attending Deer Valley grammar 
school. Mr. Sullenger still does odd jobs of surveying for his neighbors, and 
is considered an excellent mathematician. 

ROBERT LOVE, one of the pioneer settlers of Lone Tree Valley, eastern 
Contra Costa County, was born in Kilburnie, Scotland, on September 10, 



588 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

1828. He was the recipient of a limited education, as his parents died when 
he was young and he was brought up by his wife's people in the Highlands of 
Scotland. At the age of seventeen he decided to cast his lot in the New 
World, and came to America, settling in Kentucky and Pennsylvania, and 
readily found employment in the coal mines, where he remained for some 
time. He came to California in 1852 and worked at quartz-mining in Placer 
County, and was interested with partners in a large quartz-mill near Mich- 
igan Bluff and Forest Hill. He owned a farm in Napa County, near Suscol, 
known as the Stanley Ranch. He paid a visit to Scotland, and later, on his 
return to California, he sent for his intended bride, and was married to Eliz- 
abeth McKinnon, on March 21, 1861, in San Francisco. They made their home 
in Napa County, and conducted a dairy while interested in the mines. Event- 
ually, he sold his farm, gave up mining, and moved to Contra Costa County, 
In 1867 he pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of Government land in 
Lone Tree Valley, which he farmed, and also worked at different times in 
the mines at Somersville, Stewartville, and Judsonville. Mr. Love died in 
1900, and his wife passed away in November, 1904. The family consisted of 
four sons and four daughters — Janet Montgomerie, born at Napa January 9, 
1862, died November 16, 1874; Archibald, born February 8, 1863; Annie Eliza- 
beth, born April 21, 1865; Robert, born November 21, 1866, in Napa, died 
May I, 1893; John, born August 9, 1869; Lizzie, born October 4, 1871, died 
in December, 1894; Flora, born 1873; Dugald, born March 30, 1875, died in 
October, 1886. Archibald and John are still on the home place, and are num- 
bered among the representative ranchers in their locality. 

TURNER & DAHNKEN.— At this point in their business career, through 
their remarkable powers of foresight and business faculties, they made the 
real step to their business future by entering the film supply business about 
one year after the great San Francisco fire and earthquake. Their new loca- 
tion was in a small store-room at Ellis and Fillmore streets. At this time 
there were few producers in America, which necessitated the importing of 
their films from Europe, which was then the center of the industry. The 
next few years brought immense developments in the motion-picture busi- 
ness on this coast and throughout the world. The Film Exchange grew and 
grew, and outgrew its quarters on Ellis Street; so then they moved to a 
large and more spacious store on Eddy Street near Mason, where business 
is now conducted by the General Film Company. The General Film Com- 
pany of America, commonly known as "The Trust," saw the great possibil- 
ities of this coast and purchased the business of the firm of Turner & Dahn- 
ken at the enormous price of $200,000 for contracts and leases for films 
held on this coast. "The Trust" people found that the name of Turner & 
Dahnken stood so big with the public as moving-picture exhibitors that 
they desired to retain that name as the title of the Film Exchange main- 
tained in San Francisco. Mr. Turner refused, and this almost broke off ne- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 589 

gotiations, but the coast men retained the right to use their own name. They 
had other plans for the trademark which they had established by years of 
honest treatment and a progressive policy. They had decided to enter the 
theatrical ownership field themselves, and their first real substantial invest- 
ment in the exhibition of moving pictures was in two small theaters on Mar- 
ket Street, which turned out to be another big advance in the march of 
progress that had marked the success of Turner & Dahnken's career. They 
sold their lease to a Market Street location on which these two theatres 
were conducted to Alexander Pantages, who built the present Pantages 
Theater on this site. Turner & Dahnken received the amount of $28,000 for 
this transfer of lease. This sale, however, did not interfere with their future 
plans, and immediately upon the execution and close of this sale, they still 
proceeded to advance in the amusement business, with the policy clearly set 
in their minds to exhibit pictures of the most intense interest, pictures of 
sound morals clearly portrayed and cleverly executed, and by a rigid en- 
forcement of these policies they have become the greatest entertainers with 
motion pictures to the West Coast public. They now have theaters located 
in every important city of the West Coast, not theaters of the ordinary 
store-room type, but beautiful, commodious, elaborately furnished theaters, 
with uniformed attendants to wait upon the pleasures of the theater-going 
public. The headquarters of this vast circuit is located at 942 Market Street, 
San Francisco, and it occupies one entire floor of the Garfield Building, 
where the photographic, sign-writing, card-writing, supply department for 
all necessities to maintain their circuit, clerical work, official work, directing, 
etc., is carried on. Such theaters as the famous Tivoli Opera House, seating 
two thousand people, known all over the world as the home of Tettrazini, 
Caruso, and other famous opera singers, has become one of their large 
places of entertainment. One of the largest theaters in America was con- 
structed for the vast interests of the Turner & Dahnken firm, located at 
Eleventh and Broadway streets, Oakland, California. This theater has many 
innovations for the accommodation of the lovers of the silent drama — hand- 
some upholstered seats, a maid in attendance for the comforts of the ladies, 
large and spacious waiting-rooms with telephones at their command, a tea- 
room for ladies to rest, and between sips of their tea to pass their opinions 
upon the wonderfully pleasant entertainment they have received from the 
hands of the Turner & Dahnken Circuit. This elaborate place of amusement 
seats about 3500 people, and patrons are able to reach the gallery without 
the assistance of steps, a gradual incline from the main entrance being pro- 
vided for their convenience, something entirely new to the theatrical public 
of the West Coast. The decorative scheme of this magnificent theater is of 
the latest and most up-to-date design, so arranged that when worked in con- 
junction with the lighting scheme, the house can be immediately converted 
into the environments of the subject being exhibited upon the curtain. The 
house can be made into twilight, dawn, the surroundings of a volcano, or 



590 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

become part of a fire scene. A wonderful master pipe-organ is installed to 
give all the necessary effects lending realism to the silent drama, such as 
the gradual approach of cavalry, or of the distant rumble of cannon, the 
singing of birds, or the eruption of a volcano, the echo of distant noises. In 
fact, space will not permit the naming of the wonderful advancement these 
two exponents of the silent drama, as pioneers in the theatrical game, have 
developed in the moving-picture theater. Their theaters are the last word of 
improvement, and they have traced the exhibition of the motion picture to 
the zenith of its glory from a humble inception through phenomenal evolu- 
tion to an inspiring development. James T. Turner was born in Antioch on 
July 25, 1873. Educated at Antioch grammar school until the age of thir- 
teen, then sought employment as farmer. Then became associated with his 
present partner, Mr. Dahnken, as manager in the Arlington Hotel, Antioch. 
In the fall of 1899 he left for San Francisco and made his first real business 
venture, which proved very successful, and which afterward turned out to 
be the coming together of the firm of Turner & Dahnken in the spring of 
1901. In the summer of 1904, Mr. Turner opened up the beginning of the 
amusement business in Fresno, and after three months of success, their 
attention was drawn to the Lewis & Clark Exposition. They immediately 
moved their shows to the city of Portland, and after a successful season 
were unable to renew their lease, which necessitated their storing the shows. 
Mr. Turner then returned to Fresno, and Mr. Dahnken resumed the hotel 
business at Antioch. Immediately after the great San Francisco earthquake 
and fire Mr. Dahnken came to San Francisco to seek a possible location for 
their shows, and sent for Mr. Turner and wired Portland to ship their 
shows to San Francisco at once. In the meantime they prepared their loca- 
tion to receive their automatic vaudeville shows, located on Fillmore Street, 
San Francisco. Business was very profitable for about one year. Mr. Turner 
has a way of remaining patient and calm under the most trying circum- 
stances — just aggressive enough to be forceful, and just amiable enough to 
be loved. He has a way of saying "Thank you" that makes you feel good 
all over. He makes people like to do things for him. 

FRED DAHNKEN is a son of Fred and Bridget Dahnken, one of the prom- 
inent and representative families of the Bay region. His father was a native 
of Germany, and his mother came from Ireland. At the age of fifteen Mr. 
Dahnken's father left his native country and came to America. He remained 
in New York for a few years and later decided to cast his lot in the Golden 
West. He came to San Francisco via Panama route and engaged in business 
for some years. Later he moved to Sherman Island, where he followed farm- 
ing, and in 1865 he located in Antioch. He followed the draying business, 
and for thirty-five years, owing to his absolute integrity, he filled the office 
of wharfinger, and while in this office he was identified with the hotel in- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 591 

terests of Antioch. He was especially active in politics, and was a loyal 
supporter of the Democratic party; he served in a creditable manner on the 
school board, and was city trustee for some years. His death occurred in 
1913. He was a broad-minded man, liberal in thought and honorable in pur- 
pose, and always supported any progressive measure that was for the benefit 
of his locality. His death was mourned by a wide circle of friends. The 
mother of our subject passed away in 1915. In the parents' family four chil- 
dren were born, two of whom died in infancy. Henry, a brother of our sub- 
ject, died in 1911. He had been identified for many years with his father in 
Antioch. Fred Dahnken was born in Antioch on February 17, 1868. He at- 
tended the Antioch Grammar School until of a suflEicient age to act as clerk 
in L, Meyers' grocery-store, Antioch. After two years he became associated 
in business with his father as wharfinger, and a few years later he ventured 
in the hotel business, which he still retains. In 1896 he started for British 
Columbia to make a further venture in the hotel business, which did not 
prove successful and necessitated his return to Antioch. However, not sat- 
isfied, he followed the big gold rush to Alaska in the year 1900, but after 
looking the situation over he did not believe there were possibilities there 
for substantial investment or of making a business venture with a future, 
and he returned again to Antioch. At this time the firm of Turner & Dahn- 
ken laid its cornerstone. Mr Dahnken has the courage of his convictions, but 
his convictions very seldom require much courage to support them. He is 
gifted with an incredible measure of business instinct and a wonderful 
power of perception. His inventive and creative mind has been responsible 
for most of the popular improvements in the theatrical business. On Feb- 
ruary II, 1903, he was united in marriage to Margaret Kearney, a native of 
San Francisco, and daughter of Patrick Kearney, who erected the Palace 
Hotel of Antioch, and a granddaughter of Mrs. Tregalles, of Antioch. To 
this union there were two children — Carsten, born December, 1903, and Mar- 
garet, born in 1905. In politics Mr, Dahnken is affiliated with the Democratic 
party, but he never aspired to office. Fraternally, he is a member of the 
Fraternal Order of Eagles of Antioch, the Press Club, and Indoor Yacht 
Club of San Francisco. 

CHARLES FISH (deceased). — The name of Charles Fish is remembered 
throughout Contra Costa County as that of one of the men who gave his 
best efiforts toward the cultivation of the broad farming lands of the county. 
Before his death, which occurred on February 28, 1911, he, with his brother, 
Lafayette I. Fish, became the owner of large tracts of land. In the death 
of Charles Fish Contra Costa County and the whole bay region lost one of 
its largest and most successful ranchers, and one of the most energetic, 
capable, and public-spirited pioneers. Mr. Fish was born in Batavia, New 
York, October 24, 1818, son of Libeus and Polly (Holcomb) Fish, descend- 
ants of Colonial settlers of New England, and the former was a son of 



592 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Lieutenant Josiah Fish, who served during the Revolutionary War as a 
lieutenant under Captain Wm. Hutchins. Mr. Fish acquired a common-school 
education, and in Oceober, 1834, he secured a position as clerk in the store 
of Foote & Beebe, at Batavia. After six months he was transferred to a store 
, at Careyville, owned by the same firm. In April, 1837, he went to Gallatin, 
Mississippi, as clerk for his brother, Josiah Fish, who paid him fifty dollars 
for a time, and later raised his salary to eighty dollars a month. In the fall 
of 1838 he removed to Monticello to take charge of a branch store. With 
one thousand dollars he had accumulated, he engaged in business with W. 
D. Larkin, whose interest he purchased in 1843. After conducting the busi- 
ness alone for about ten years, in January, 1853, he sold out and took pas- 
sage from New Orleans on the whaler "Independence," which was wrecked 
oflF the lower coast of California. He arrived in San Francisco on the last 
day of March, 1853. He at once found work in a store operated by Jerry 
Ford, and June, 1854, found Mr. Fish located in Martinez. After taking 
charge of a warehouse at Pacheco for a few months, he acquired an interest 
in the concern in connection with his brother, Lafayette I. Fish, and for 
eleven years he continued in this partnership, after which he sold his in- 
terest in the concern, and, with his brother, acquired large tracts of land, 
which were operated by tenants. Mr. Fish assisted in the organization of 
the Martinez Bank and became one of the directors. From 1880 to 1882 he 
was a member of the firm of Fish & Blum, and at other periods he main- 
tained an interest in the grain business. Mr. Fish and his brother at one 
time purchased about three thousand acres in Fresno, San Joaquin, and 
Kings counties. In 1906 Charles Fish retired from active business, and after 
his retirement his advice was often sought in matters of importance. Mr. 
Fish was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Grimes, who was born in 
Bethany, Genesee County, New York, and reared in Erie County, her par- 
ents being William and Elizabeth (McCullough) Grimes. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Fish were born four children — Charles Stanley (who married May How- 
land, a native of St. Louis, Missouri; he received the appointment from the 
Board of Supervisors in March, 1904, as commissioner in charge of the 
Contra Costa County exhibit at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. 
Louis), Grace Emily and Blanche Ellen (who reside at home), and Eli, 
who died in 1886. For many years the family occupied an attractive resi- 
dence erected by Mr. Fish on an eminence overlooking the city of Martinez, 
the surrounding valley, and the bay in the distance, the whole forming a 
charming scenic environment for the comfortable home. He was always a 
liberal contributor in the advancement of educational and religious work. 
Charles Fish and Mrs. Lafayette I. Fish donated the ground upon which 
the Martinez high-school building was erected. Martinez, the adopted town 
of Charles Fish, owes much to his progressive spirit and broad-minded citi- 
zenship, and in the annals of the place his name will always be remem- 
bered and cherished. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 593 

HENRY MYERS BUCKLEY is numbered among the representative men 
and substantial farmers of Contra Costa County, and has followed this 
occupation successfully all his life. He is a son of William Heywood and 
Jane Ann (Myers) Buckley. The father of Henry M. Buckley was num- 
bered among the pioneers of California, where since very early times his 
activities have been a force in progress, and his citizenship a valuable 
municipal asset. He first came to California in 1849, from Ulster County, 
New York, via Mexico, and was among the early gold-seekers to reach the 
California mines. Later he was identified with Government work at Benicia 
for a time. Again he went to Placer and El Dorado counties, where he 
mined. Returning to the Empire State, he married Miss Jane Ann Myers, a 
native of Dutchess County, New York, a descendant of the Knickerbocker 
and other prominent families of Revolutionary ancestry. Mr. Buckley with 
his wife made the trip together to California this time via the Isthmus 
route, locating in San Francisco for two years. He then took up holdings 
of land where Fruitvale is now located, and in 1857 he removed to Contra 
Costa County, where he took up five hundred and twenty acres and engaged 
in general farming and stock business. Here he remained until his death, 
which occurred May 18, 1912, in his eighty-ninth year. Since pioneer times 
Mr. Buckley's father has taken an active interest in public affairs. He was a 
staunch Republican for many years, and later joined the People's party. 
He watched the community develop along all lines. He was considered 
authority on everything pertaining to the early settlement and the later 
development of the county. His wife died June 14, 1914, at the age of ninety- 
one years. Although she has ceased from her labors, and no longer her 
smile brings gladness to the many who knew her, yet her memory is green, 
and her name is spoken in eulogy throughout Contra Costa County. The 
subject of this sketch acquired his education in the public schools of Contra 
Costa County. Laying aside his books, he became actively engaged on the 
home place, where he has always remained. He has recently rented the 
ranch, but up to 1914 he was largely identified with the stock and dairying 
interests of the county. There were six children in the parents' family — 
Adeline, wife of George Sellers, of Oakley; Frances W., died October 5, 
1916; Joseph H., a resident of Pinole, married Miss Zitella Higgins; Annie 
E. and Jennie L., both residing at home; and Henry, the subject of this 
sketch. 

HARCOURT GALTON BIGGS is the son of the Rev. G. Hesketh Biggs, 
who was justice of the peace of Worcestershire County, England. His 
death occurred at Stratford-on-Avon in 1903. Mr. Biggs is an active and 
enterprising representative of the business interests of Contra Costa County. 
He is superintendent of the manufacturing department of Blake Brothers 
Company. His birth occurred in England in 1863, and he acquired his edu- 
cation in the same town where Shakespeare lived, Stratford-on-Avon. In 



594 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

1881 he came to America and settled in Texas, where he rode the range for 
a period of five years. He next went to Wyoming, where he followed the 
range for four years. Mr. Biggs came to California and located in San 
Francisco in 1890, and became identified with Warren & Company, a whole- 
sale machinery firm, for two years. He then took a position with the Min- 
turn ranch in Fresno County, where he acted as foreman for two years. 
Throughout his career Mr. Biggs has been successful in every business he 
has undertaken, and was especially successful in handling horses. He con- 
ducted a business for three years in San Francisco, corner of Van Ness 
and Golden Gate avenues, where he bought and sold horses, after which he 
became associated in his present position. Politically, Mr. Biggs is affiliated 
with the Republican party. He held a position as foreman of the jute-mill 
at San Quentin for nearly two years, and acted as deputy sheriflf in Fremont 
County, Wyoming. While he was acting in this capacity the sheriff was 
killed while hunting horse-thieves, and Mr. Biggs served three months as 
sheriff to fill the unexpired term. He was then appointed deputy sheriff 
under the new administration. Fraternally, Mr. Biggs is affiliated with the 
B. P. O. E. lodge of Richmond, and he has the recognition of having held 
the office of exalted ruler. He was elected to this office April i, 1914, and 
his term expired April 6, 1915. At the expiration of his office, Mr. Biggs 
was presented with a handsome gold watch. He was united in marriage to 
Gertrude Lindsay, daughter of Judge Lindsay, August 29, 1894. Their two 
children are Adele, born September 19, 1895, and Reginald, born May 5, 
1900. Mr. and Mrs. Biggs are esteemed by all who know them. 

NORMAN H. BENNETT. — Numbered among the esteemed and popular 
residents of Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County, is Norman H. Bennett, 
cashier of the San Ramon Valley Bank, who is filling the position with 
marked ability. He is a man of intrusted integrity, possessing good judg- 
ment and tact. He is performing the duties devolving upon him to the 
entire satisfaction of the public. Mr. Bennett was born in Iowa, June 12, 
1883, a son of Rudolphus and Mariette (Peck) Bennett, who were the par- 
ents of nine children, of whom six sons and two daughters are living. The 
father was a native of Vermont, and was prominently identified with his 
community as a newspaper publisher. In 1887 he came to California, and 
located in San Diego, where he published a newspaper. He is now retired, 
in his ninety-second year. Mr, Bennett's mother was a native of Clinton, 
Iowa, and her father was identified with the early history of that State, and 
was a large landowner. The subject of this review has one brother, Ira E. 
Bennett, editor of the Washington Post, in Washington, D. C. He is one of 
the remarkable newspaper men and authors who have gone to the East 
from the San Francisco Chronicle. On December 9, 1916, he was elected pres- 
ident of the Gridiron Club, the famous organization of the Washington 
newspaper correspondents. This most coveted honor in the newspaper 



BIOGRAPHICAL 595 

world has come to Mr. Bennett after a long and distinguished service both 
in the East and in the West, Norman H. Bennett acquired his education in 
the public schools of San Diego. He afterward became connected with the 
Trans-Pacific Steamship Line, after coming to San Francisco. He later went 
with the Bank of California, where he worked for many years, filling vari- 
ous positions of importance and trust. In 1912 he organized the Farmers 
and Merchants National Bank of Merced, California, with a capital stock 
of one hundred thousand dollars. Remaining with this institution for some 
time, he then accepted a position with the San Ramon Valley Bank. Mr. 
Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Harriet L. Blackburn, a native of 
Paso Robles, California, June i, 1905. Their one daughter, Peggy, was born 
November 8, 1907. Mrs. Bennett's father was one of the representative pio- 
neers of that locality, and founded the town of Paso Robles. He erected the 
magnificent hotel in that place, which is connected with the baths known 
all over the country for their curative properties. He was an extensive land- 
owner, and was largely connected with the stock business. He run at one 
time over twenty-two thousand sheep, Mrs. Bennett takes an active part in 
the social life of Walnut Creek, while her husband exercises a marked in- 
fluence toward the advancement of the best interests of his town. Politi- 
cally, he is affiliated with the Republican party. 

M. EMANUEL. — Richmond is indebted to M. Emanuel, the founder and 
the president of the Ellis Landing & Dock Company, for the development 
of Ellis Landing and the Ellis Canal, which adjoin the great inner harbor. 
It was from that point the produce and freight of Contra Costa County 
were shipped in pioneer days by Captain George Ellis, who operated the 
schooners "Sierra" and "Mystery" until the Santa Fe Railroad established 
its terminal at Richmond. Mr. Emanuel is one of San Francisco's most 
esteemed business men. His past success and unquestionable integrity are 
a matter of record. He was prominently associated with the wholesale and 
importing business of California for twenty-five years. This practical ex- 
perience combined with his personal knowledge of the principal American 
and European harbors caused Mr. Emanuel to appreciate the commercial 
advantages of the geographical location of Ellis Landing and to foresee the 
great values there when Richmond's destiny as a shipping and manufac- 
turing center is fulfilled. Mr. Emanuel is a native of California; born in San 
Francisco in December, 1866; educated in London, England, Goettingen, 
Germany, and other European schools. His father came to California from 
Bavaria in 1850; his mother was born in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Emanuel 
is married and has one daughter, Josephine E. Emanuel, 

NUMA S. BOONE. — No one perhaps has done more to advance the agri- 
cultural and banking interests in Contra Costa County than the subject of 
this review. Mr. Boone is a man of marked ability, of enterprise and pro- 



596 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

gression, and he is numbered among the Native Sons of Contra Costa 
County. His birth occurred in Danville, May 14, 1867, a son of James O. 
Boone, a native of Kentucky, who crossed the plains in 1852, in company 
with his wife, two children, and his brother Wellington. It took the party 
six months to make the trip with ox-teams. James O. Boone was a repre- 
sentative pioneer of California, and a true type of the brave, hardy, and 
energetic men who contributed largely toward California's advancement. 
Instead of going to the mines, like the majority of men who came to Cali- 
fornia at that period, Mr. Boone saw the advantages and necessity of en- 
gaging in the freighting business. He hauled supplies from Sacramento to 
Dutch Flat with a pair of oxen, receiving twenty dollars a day for his 
services. It required a week to make this trip. His brother Wellington was 
associated with him in his business venture. They freighted the first lumber 
into Dutch Flat, assisted in erecting the first shanty at that place, and took 
an active part in the development of that mining camp. Numa S. Boone 
acquired his education in the public schools of Danville, after which he 
attended high school in Oakland. His father, after residing at Winters, 
California, removed to Contra Costa County, and was one of the first 
settlers to locate near Danville. Here Mr. Boone purchased a ranch, and 
with characteristic energy began to improve his place. After- finishing his 
education, Numa S. Boone returned to the home place, and assisted his 
father. At the age of twenty-one he rented the Love estate, where Danville 
is now situated. The first year Mr. Boone planted wheat, and his first busi- 
ness venture was a success. He cleared about nine hundred dollars that 
season. He was happily married to Miss Minnie T. Thorne, a native of Santa 
Clara County, on August 31, 1899. Their two children are Travis M., born 
August 10, 1901, and Eleanor Sims, born August 17, 1905. Mrs. Boone's father 
was Captain Charles Thorne, a native of New York State, and her mother 
was Mary J. (Travis) Thorne. Her parents were married in New York 
State in 1841. Her father followed the seas from the age of eighteen until 
a few years previous to his death, which occurred January 16, 1897. He 
served as port warden at San Francisco for two terms. Captain Thorne 
came to California via the Panama route in the spring of 1850. Previous to 
this he operated on the Atlantic Coast. He opened the steamboat route be- 
tween San Francisco and Alviso, and the fare at that time was eighteen 
dollars. Captain Thome's wife came to California in 1852 with their three 
children via the Panama route. They were the parents of eight children — 
seven sons and one daughter. Those living are Mrs, Numa S. Boone, John 
P., of Alameda, and Frank B., of Portland. Mrs. Boone's mother passed 
away October 27, 1909, at Forest Home, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. 
Boone. Fraternally, Numa S. Boone is a member of the Woodmen of the 
World. He is also a member of San Ramon Parlor, N. S. G. W., and takes 
an active part and is a member of the Danville Grange. Politically, he casts 
his ballot with the Democratic party. While he is active locally he has never 



BIOGRAPHICAL 597 

aspired to office. With the exception of one year, Mr. Boone has served 
on the Democratic Central Committee since he cast his first vote. Fof many 
years he has served on the San Ramon school board. Besides being an ex- 
tensive landowner, to the extent of owning two hundred and fifty acres, 
he works about seven hundred acres. He is president of the San Ramon 
Valley Bank, which also operates a branch bank at Danville. He is a man 
of unusual business ability, has a large circle of friends, and is respected and 
esteemed wherever known. He is a stockholder in the California Invest- 
ment Company, and the R. N. Burgess Company, who have large realty 
holdings in Contra Costa County, and have recently promoted Mount Diablo 
Park, one of the most beautiful residence property sections in the Bay 
region. 

RALPH H. WIGHT is numbered among the representative attorneys of 
Contra Costa County. He was born on November 29, 1887, on a ranch four 
miles from Pittsburg. His father was one of the large landowners of this 
section. Ralph H. Wight acquired his education in the Ambrose public 
school, after which he graduated from the Mount Diablo high school. He 
entered the University of California and graduated with the class of 1909, 
receiving the degree of B. L. He completed his law course and received 
the degree of Juris Doctor in 1911, He at once returned to Martinez, where 
he engaged in the general practice of law with gratifying success. Mr. 
Wight was united in marriage to Miss Marguerite F. Haskins on May 14, 
1913. Politically, he is a Republican and served as city attorney in Concord 
for a period of four years. Mr. Wight has been further honored by being 
chosen president of the Martinez Chamber of Commerce in 1917. He was 
a member of the county and State Republican conventions in 1910. In 1914 
he served as a member of the Republican State Convention, representing the 
senatorial district of Contra Costa and Marin counties. Mr. Wight is a 
man of unusual professional ability and has a wide circle of friends. 

CHARLES N. WIGHT (deecased).— The opportunities that California 
offered to men of enterprise and sterling worth are nowhere better ex- 
emplified than in the successful career of Charles N. Wight, a pioneer of 
Contra Costa County. He was a native of Johnsonburg, Wyoming County, 
New York, and his birth occurred on August 5, 1833. He acquired a com- 
mon-school education and at the age of thirteen he went with his brother 
Randolph H. to Delaware County, Iowa, In 1849 he returned to his birth- 
place, and after attending school for a short period he gave his attention to 
farming and dairying for eight months. In January, 1852, Charles N. and 
Randolph came to the Pacific Coast via Panama, arriving in San Francisco 
on February 26, of the same year. Mr. Wight at once took up mining on the 
Trinity River, remaining there for a short time. He then went to El Dorado 
County, where he followed the same vocation until the spring of 1853, 



598 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

when he removed to Contra Costa County, where he took up seven hun- 
dred acres of Government land four miles from New York Landing (now 
Pittsburg). He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Huntington, a 
native of Maine, January 13, 1870, To this union there have been six chil- 
dren — Nellie, wife of Frank H. Turner, of Sierra County, and their one 
daughter, Sarah Gilberta, was born December 19, 1906; Martha Louisa, 
residing at home, was born April 19, 1875; Charles Huntington, born No- 
vember 13, 1874, was united in marriage to May Violet Thomas, and their 
two daughters are Minnie E. and Carol Marjorie; Walter Wallace, born 
February 6, 1879, and was married to Arline L. Brooks, and their children 
are Theron Brooks, Charles Randolph, and Walter Wallace; Albert R. 
was born July 26, 1881, and was married to Maud E. Pettitt; their children 
are Verna Louise and Albert Charles; Ralph H., born November 29, 1887. 
Charles N. Wight, the subject of this review, died on April 17, 1913. His 
name will always be held in loving remembrance by all who knew him. 
The present generation can learn much from the lives of such men as 
Charles N. and Randolph Wight. In politics Charles N. Wight was affiliated 
with the Republican party. He served as trustee of the Ambrose (then Bay 
Point) school for many years. He also served as roadmaster for a long 
period. He was a practical stockman and engaged in general farming. Ran- 
dolph H. Wight was born August 18, 1827. Early in life he worked at farm- 
ing. In 1847 he joined a train and came to this coast, locating in Oregon, 
taking eight months to make the trip. Randolph located in Corvallis, Ore- 
gon, In February, 1848, he started for San Francisco, and finally located at 
Sutter's Fort, two miles from Sacramento. The latter place was then called 
Embarcadero. Mr. Wight was one of the first to go to the mines after the 
discovery of gold was announced. He proceeded to Hangtown (Placer- 
ville), where he remained for nine months. New Year's day, 1849, he went 
to San Francisco, where he took passage for home. He remained in the East 
until 1852, when the two brothers started for the Golden West. The Wight 
brothers' ranch originally consisted of six hundred and ninety acres. Ran- 
dolph married Miss Orfa Durfee, of New York, January 28, 1858. To this 
union were born, Sarah E. (deceased), wife of L, M. La Selle, and Mary L., 
wife of S. A. Sellers. Randolph Wight is now living with his daughter, Mrs. 
Sellers, at their Berkeley home. 

ABSALOM FRANCIS BRAY.— One of the most able, progressive, and 
enterprising young attorneys of Contra Costa County is Absalom Francis 
Bray. He was born January 21, 1889, in Butte, Montana. His education was 
acquired in the public schools of that city. He afterward entered the Mili- 
tary Academy at San Rafael, graduating with the class of 1906. He entered 
the law department at the University of California, graduating from that 
department in 1910. He began the practice of law in San Francisco and re- 
mained in that city until 1912, when he removed to Martinez. Politically, 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



599 



Mr. Bray is a Republican and stands high in the councils of his party. He 
is president of the Martinez Republican Club, secretary of the Contra Costa 
County Republican Club, and a member of the County Republican Central 
Committee. On March i, 1917, he was appointed city attorney of Martinez. 
Mr. Bray has always used his power and influence toward promoting the 
good of the city of Martinez and Contra Costa County. He was united in 
marriage on September 17, 1913, to Miss Leila Elizabeth Veale, a daughter 
of Sheriff R. R. Veale, one of Contra Costa's most prominent and dis- 
tinguished citizens. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge of 
Martinez. He is a member of the Sigma Chi, the Phi Delta Phi, and the 
Theta Nu Epsilon fraternities of the University of California. Mr. Bray's 
father, Absalom Francis, was a native of England. He came to America, 
settling first in Texas and later in Montana, where he was identified with 
the mercantile and wholesale interests of both States. He died in 1906. Mr. 
Bray's mother, Nelia (Copenharve) Bray, was a native of Indiana. The 
subject of this sketch deserves great credit for what he has accomplished 
along professional lines, and through his own energy and perseverance has 
worked his way upward to success, and is now numbered among the rep- 
resentative men of the legal profession of the Bay counties. 

GEORGE S. WALL. — This history presents the record of no other citizen 
more thoroughly imbued with the spirit of public progress than George S. 
Wall. He has ever been a man of fair judgment, broad-minded and sagacious, 
and is constantly working for the public welfare of Richmond and Contra 
Costa County. The Bay cities number him among their most representative, 
useful, and worthy citizens, to whose initiative spirit the city of Richmond 
owes much. He established the first permanent city hall in Richmond and 
many of the important industries. Several of the finest subdivisions placed 
on the market in Richmond are due to Mr. Wall's resolute energy and 
public spirit. He was born in Sonoma County, California, and is a son of 
Henry C. Wall, a native of North Carolina, and Julia (Sallec) Wall, the latter 
being a native of Wisconsin. Mr. Wall's father was a California pioneer, 
coming to the coast in 1849. He drove an ox-team overland, taking six 
months to make the journey, and settled in Sonoma County, where he ac- 
quired large holdings in land, and for a time was identified with mining. 
The substantial progress and success made by Mr. Wall's father show what 
may be accomplished when determination and energy lead the way. He 
was largely identified with the stock-raising business of this State in the 
early days, and several land deeds that George S. Wall has in his posses- 
sion bear the signature of President Grant. In the parents' family there 
were three children — Henry, who died in 1898 at the age of twenty-six 
years; Ella, wife of Ira Krotser, a contractor and builder of Santa Rosa, 
California; and the subject of this review. George S. Wall acquired his edu- 
cation in the public schools of Santa Rosa, after which he attended private 



6oo HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

school. He took up mechanical engineering, which he followed until 1902. 
He has been associated with many large projects throughout the State, and 
his work and qualities have been widely recognized and have made him 
popular wherever he has gone. Mr. Wall's success in Richmond is only 
the natural result of earnest, persistent, and well-directed labor. He first 
served as manager of the Richmond Land Company, one of the first sub- 
divisions, consisting of four thousand seven hundred lots in the center of 
what is now Richmond. In 1909, he embarked in the real-estate business 
for himself, and organized the New Richmond Land Company, a million- 
dollar corporation. He has been one of the chief factors in making Rich- 
mond a manufacturing center. He was also largely instrumental in getting 
the Pullman Company to locate here. Other manufacturing concerns were 
induced to locate in Richmond through the efforts of Mr. Wall, among the 
most prominent of which are the General Roofing Manufacturing Com- 
pany and the Pacific Sanitary Manufacturing Company. Mr. Wall distin- 
guished himself with the people of Richmond when he presented to the 
city its first permanent city hall, the building and land being valued at 
sixty thousand dollars. Politically, Mr. Wall is affiliated with the Repub- 
ican party, but he has never aspired to office. He has served as president of 
the Richmond Industrial Commission for five terms. Fraternally, Mr. Wall 
holds membership in the Masonic lodge. In 1898 he was united in marriage 
to Lena Blanche Slack, daughter of Darwin D. and Sarah E. Slack. She 
passed away on December 3, 1916. To this union there were two children — 
Thelma Gertrude, born January 26, 1904, died September 26, 1916, and Harold 
Chelsley,born February 17,1905. Mr. Wall belongs to the Transportation Club 
of San Francisco, and Mrs. Wall was an active member of the Eastern Star. 
Mr. Wall has placed on the market several valuable tracts of land in Rich- 
mond, and owing to their favorable position has had phenomenal success 
in disposing of his holdings. He promoted the City of Richmond tract, 
Wall's Addition to Richmond, Wall's Center Tract, and Wall's Second Ad- 
dition to Richmond. In all the above tracts nine thousand lots have been 
put on the market. All his properties are superbly located, and so situated 
that they cannot but increase in value to a remarkable extent. Mr. Wall is a 
man of sterling traits of character, progressive in citizenship, and has 
gained the confidence, good-will, and esteem of all who have been in any 
way associated with him. 

WILLIAM LINCOLN WHITE, of Alamo, one of the notable factors in 
the recent development of southern Contra Costa County, was born at 
East Aurora, New York, close to where Elbert Hubbard reared his famous 
Roycroft community. He took up the profession of chemistry, and is today 
the sole owner of one of the largest drug stores in Michigan. Being an en- 
thusiast in the National Guard of that State, Colonel White was com- 
missioned a regimental commander, and during the Spanish-American War 



BIOGRAPHICAL 6oi 

held that rank in command of Michigan volunteers. He is also prominent 
in life-insurance circles, and was vice-president of the Federal Life Insur- 
ance Company of Chicago and director in the Niagara Life Insurance Com- 
pany of Buffalo. It was in the furtherance of his insurance interests that 
Colonel White visited California, and while touring the State passed through 
the San Ramon Valley. He was so impressed with its attractions that four 
years ago he decided to make it his permanent home. He purchased the 
Benson ranch at Alamo, consisting of eight hundred and twelve acres, 
which is now known and famed as White-Hall Acres, one of the most hos- 
pitable homes in Contra Costa, over which Colonel White's charming wife 
reigns as chatelaine. The subject of this sketch is vice-president of the 
First National Bank at Walnut Creek, president of the Tassajara Land & 
Live-Stock Company, a corporation that farms seven thousand two hundred 
acres in Contra Costa County. He is a director in the Berkeley Thousand 
Oaks Realty Company, a commissioner of the famed Mount Diablo Park 
Club, one of the notable organizations of its character in the United States. 
Colonel White is the owner of the Contra Costa Courier at Walnut Creek and 
the Danville Jourtial at Danville. Despite his multifarious business and pro- 
fessional interests, he always finds time to devote his energies to the pro- 
motion of Contra Costa County's interests. 

H. W. BESSAC is the editor of the Brentwood News. The Nezvs was found- 
ed in 1914 by J. B. Dixon, who issued it for a period of one year. He was fol- 
lowed by J. J. McCulloch, who ran the paper eight months. McCulloch sold 
the News to Mr. Bessac on September i, 1915. It is an eight - page five- 
column paper, and independent in politics. Mr. Bessac has been identified 
with country papers on this coast since 1883. He was the first foreman on 
the Tacoma News, and he was also the first foreman on the Tacoma Ledger 
when it became a daily. He is public-spirited, and his paper gives its in- 
dorsement to every movement inaugurated that will advance the interests of 
eastern Contra Costa County and Brentwood. 

SEELEY JAMES BENNETT (deceased).— One of the representative and 
pioneer citizens of Contra Costa County that is worthy of recognition in 
this work is Seeley James Bennett. He was born in Delaware County, Ohio, 
October 9, 1833, son of Stephen R. and Susan (Gregory) Bennett. Mr. Ben- 
nett received a common-school education and assisted on his father's ranch 
until 1854. He then removed to Iowa and found employment with the West- 
ern Stage Company. Here he remained until February, 1859, when he de- 
cided to go to California. He went to New Orleans and sailed via the Gulf 
route, arriving in San Francisco the last day of March, 1859. He came di- 
rectly to Contra Costa County. Here he found employment at different 
things until March, i860, when he engaged in the livery business in Pacheco, 
and there remained until 1862, when he removed to Martinez. In 1861 Mr. 



6o2 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Bennett started and operated the first stage line from Pacheco to the Mount 
Diablo coal mines. Later he sold this line and established a stage line from 
Martinez to the summit of Mount Diablo. Mr. Bennett was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Jane E. Hough, a native of Ohio. To this union there has 
been one son, Stephen E., born July 13, 1864. He died in 1906. Seeley J. 
Bennett's death occurred on May 14, 1905. 

LAFAYETTE IRVING FISH.— To a certain extent a record of the life 
of the late Lafayette Irving Fish is a history of the county of Contra Costa. 
From the time he made his first investment in land here, during the fall of 
1852, until his career ended, October 9, 1900, he was inseparably associated 
with many of the leading interests of the locality. After enduring the hard- 
ships attendant upon both an ocean voyage and an overland journey to 
California, after having shared with the gold-seekers their scanty fare, 
their hard beds in the lap of Mother Earth, and their life of toil, and after 
having experienced the vicissitudes of pioneer farming, it was his good 
fortune to reap the reward of his labors and to enjoy in the twilight of his 
useful existence all the comforts his industry and executive ability had 
rendered possible. During the colonial history of New England the Fish 
family bore an honorable part in commercial and military afTairs, and Josiah 
Fish served during the Revolutionary War as a lieutenant under Captain 
William Hutchins. Lafayette Irving Fish was a grandson of this Revolu- 
tionary officer, and a son of Libbeus and Polly (Holcomb) Fish. He was 
born in Batavia, New York, October 7, 1824, and received a common-school 
education in his native town, later becoming a student in a seminary for 
boys at Jackson, Michigan, where his parents had settled. After two years 
in the seminary, he earned his livelihood as a clerk in a mercantile store 
owned by C. W. Penny. For two and a half years he remained with Mr. 
Penny, resigning in order to accept a similar position with his brother 
Charles in Monticello, Mississippi. However, not liking the South, his so- 
journ there was short, and he returned to his former employer. When news 
reached him of the discovery of gold in California, Mr. Fish determined 
to seek his fortune in the West. With this purpose he left home and friends 
on August 8, 1849, and proceeded to Mississippi, where he visited his brother. 
From there he traveled via the Isthmus and the Pacific Ocean to San Fran- 
cisco, where he arrived on January 8, 1850. In February he proceeded to 
Marysville and the mines. To engage in mining, a company was formed 
consisting of E. S. Rockwell, J. W. Fish, J. G. Scott, Albertus Scott, G. 
W. Brown, B. T. Graves, and L. I. Fish. With an ox-team, provisions, and 
other supplies, they left Marysville on June 25th, bound for Slate Creek. Be- 
fore they had arrived at their destination they found that camp had been 
deserted for a new one on the Feather River. Leaving Josiah Fish to fol- 
low with the goods, the others joined the rush and located claims on Nelson 
Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the Feather River. In addition to 



BIOGRAPHICAL 603 

mining, the company opened a store, building a log cabin, which they were 
often forced to use as a hotel for the accommodation of passing miners. 
Their guests were glad to pay for the privilege of sleeping on the bare earth 
(for the floor of the cabin was of dirt). While much is written and said 
concerning the high civilization of the present century, Mr. Fish often re- 
marked that he never lived in any community where all men seemed as 
brothers, where each respected the other's rights, where robbery was un- 
known, and where all were governed by so high a code of honor as was 
displayed in this camp. Men were accustomed to leave their sacks of gold- 
dust in their cabins, and no one ever molested them. Mr. Fish and Mr. 
Lathrop soon purchased the interests of their partners, afterwards buying 
an interest in the mercantile business of William and Jerry Ford at Marys- 
ville. In the fall of 1852 the two purchased a part of the Welch Rancho in 
Contra Costa County, Soon after this they formed a company to go East 
and buy sheep for the California market. In 1853 Mr. Fish and others went 
East and spent a year buying sheep and preparing a wagon-train for cross- 
ing the plains. The sheep were wintered at Vermont, Cooper County, Mis- 
souri. The journey was begun on May 2, 1853, with five thousand sheep, 
about eight ox-teams, a herd of cattle, and several saddle horses and mules. 
They arrived in the Sacramento Valley, crossing the river about twenty 
miles below Shasta, in the latter part of October, 1854. At that time they 
had three thousand sheep, one hundred and forty cattle, twelve horses and 
mules, etc. The sheep had cost a dollar and a half apiece in the East and 
brought from seven to ten dollars each in California, so that the profits were 
large, notwithstanding the losses en route. In 1855 Mr. Fish and his part- 
ner divided their holdings, and the former then entered into partnership 
with his brother Charles, who had arrived here while he was in the East. In 
addition to engaging in farm pursuits, Mr. Fish engaged in warehousing, 
bought and sold grain, and had many other business interests. He was one 
of the first successful farmers of California, and was one of the first to 
practice summer-fallowing, so common now. Desiring modern equipments 
with which to conduct his work, he sent East for improved farm machinery, 
and kept himself and his foreman busy in harvesting his own grain and 
that of others. In early days his principal product was wheat, and one 
year's crop sold for fifty-two thousand dollars. He raised and shipped the 
first wheat ever sent from San Francisco to New York as a business ven- 
ture. While at times he met with reverses, such as will come to all, he 
was almost uniformly successful, his business sagacity enabling him to 
conduct his various interests in a profitable manner. Having considerable 
money to invest, and seeing an opening for a bank at Martinez, in 1873 
Lafayette I. Fish, with the support of leading men of the county, estab- 
lished a financial institution, of which he was the first president, with Wil- 
liam Hale as cashier and Henry Hale as teller. The directors of the bank 
were L. I. Fish, W. W. Cameron, William Hale, Henry Hale, and Simon 



6o4 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Blum. With a capital of fifty thousand dollars, the bank embarked in busi- 
ness, but soon the capital stock was doubled, such was its success under 
the administration of Mr, Fish, who continued its executive head until his 
retirement, in July, 1890. At that time the holders valued their stock at two 
hundred per cent, and none was for sale even at that premium. The grain 
business was another industry that engaged the attention of Mr. Fish, who, 
in July of 1878, with Messrs. Baldwin and Simon Blum, began to buy and sell 
grain and established warehouses at various towns; from this business he 
retired in June, 1884. In 1858 Mr. Fish and his brothers fitted up a house and 
sent for their sisters, Caroline and Cornelia. The latter died in 1861, but 
Caroline and the elder brother, Josiah, remained in the family circle until 
their death in 1893. On March 31, 1881, Mr. Fish was married to Miss Frances 
Lillian Webster, a teacher in the State Normal School at San Jose, and 
daughter of Samuel Warren and Mary (Nichols) W^ebster, representatives of 
Colonial New England families. Two children were born of their union, one 
of whom was Irving Webster Fish, who was united in marriage in Honolulu 
to Miss Clare Bristol, of Berkeley, California, February 16, 1910; they reside 
in Mendocino County, where Mr. Fish has large landholdings, and is iden- 
tified with the stock business in that county. The other child, Anne Hol- 
comb Webster Fish, was married in Berkeley, July 20, 1909, to Robert Noble 
Burgess; they have two children, Robert Noble Burgess, Jr., born May 13, 
1910, and Frances Webster Burgess, born June 22, 1914. 

JOHN C. ROUSE (deceased) was one of the pioneer and representative 
business men of eastern Contra Costa County. He was an important factor 
in the upbuilding of various enterprises in Antioch and the surrounding 
country. He was a man of energy and great executive ability. His birth oc- 
curred in Watertown, New York, June 20, 1828. He acquired a common- 
school education, and early in life he was identified with the drug business. 
On January 3, 1853, he started, via the Panama route, to cast his lot in the 
Golden State. He arrived in San Francisco on February 3, 1852. He engaged 
in mining in Calaveras County for a brief period, after which he mined in 
Tuolumne County for eight years. In April, 1861, Mr. Rouse came to Contra 
Costa County, where he became foreman of the Pittsburg Coal Mine at 
Somersville for about three years. His next venture was to engage in the 
hotel business at Somersville. He operated the Pittsburg Hotel for three 
years, when he again gave his attention to coal mining and worked the Cen- 
tral Mine for five years. In 1876, Mr. Rouse, in partnership with G. W. 
Hawxhurst, opened the Empire Mine, located at Judsonville. In 1877 Judson 
and Belshaw took an interest in the Empire Mine, and the company built 
and equipped a railroad from Antioch to the mine. In 1881 Mr. Rouse pur- 
chased the Central Mine and extended their railroad to the same, and Mr. 
Rouse became resident manager of the company, of the name of Belshaw & 
Co. He also was senior member of the firm of Rouse, Forman & Co., an 



BIOGRAPHICAL 605 

extensive lumbering firm of Antioch. On February 21, 1872, Mr. Rouse was 
united in marriage to Miss Alice Nichols, a native of Watertown, New 
York State. To this union have been born two children — Charles Rouse, 
deceased, and Collins Nichol Rouse, a graduate of the University of Cali- 
fornia with the class of 1910. No man has given greater efforts or accom- 
plished greater results for the business prestige of Antioch. His death oc- 
curred in Berkeley on November 16, 1907, and his wife passed away on May 
27, 1912. At the time of Mr. Rouse's death he was president of the Bank of 
Antioch; he was also associated with the lumber and hardware business of 
Antioch. In 1905 Mr. Rouse moved to Berkeley, and for a number of years 
he had retired from active business. 

JIERGEN CHRISTENSON (deceased).— In reviewing the lives of the 
settlers of Contra Costa County due mention should be made of the name 
of Jiergen Christenson, one of the most prominent and enterprising ranchers 
of the eastern section. He was a native of Denmark, born December 10, 
1834. At the age of eighteen he came to America, arriving in New Orleans 
in January, 1853. A short time afterward he went to St. Louis, where he 
remained until 1858. Then he crossed the plains with ox-teams and came to 
San Francisco. Here he first found employment in a cofifee and spice house 
with Charles Bernard, and by close application to business was made 
manager and conducted the business for sixteen years. About 1865 he settled 
on two hundred and fifty acres, and at one time he leased over seven hun- 
dred acres, in Marsh grant. While a resident of Utah, Mr. Christenson was 
united in marriage to Hanna Wallace on April 6, 1850, and she died on 
January 20, 1917. To this union there were twelve children, five of whom 
are now living. Thomas W. Christenson, a resident of Oakland, was born 
October 26, 1861. Hanna Wallace Christenson, wife of Joseph Sloan (de- 
ceased), was born January 12, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan had three children — 
Joseph, Jr., born November 6, 1885, and his children are Margery, born Oc- 
tober 25, 1911, and Violet, born January 7, 1913; Violet Sloan, born June 8, 
1894; Rosetta Sloan died at the age of two years. Charles Bernard Christen- 
son was born April 3, 1869, and is now a resident of Taft, California; his 
children are Jiergen, born August 4, 1901, and Wallace, born September 8, 
1902. James Henry Christenson was born January 3, 1888, and is engaged in 
the grocery business at Capitola, California; his son, Henry M., was born 
July 15, 1902. Florence A. Christenson was born January 27, 1881. Thomas W. 
Christenson, the eldest son, was united in marriage to Emma Brown, of San 
Francisco, in 1891; to this union was born Blanche, wife of A. Hudson, and 
Chrissie, who died at the age of fifteen years. Jiergen Christenson was a 
Republican in his political views. Fraternally, he was a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. The land he bought Mr. Christenson im- 
proved in many ways. He erected a large and commodious residence, besides 
barns and other buildings, which were above the average in his locality. He 



6o6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

was a man greatly beloved by all, and his death, which occurred on June 4, 
1910, was deeply mourned, and his useful deeds perpetuated his memory. 

ADRIAN H. SHAFER is distinguished not only for his able assistance in 
developing the horticultural resources of eastern Contra Costa County, but 
as a representative of one of the most prominent and honored pioneer fami- 
lies of this section of the county. Adrian H. Shafer is a man of energy, well 
educated and well informed. He carries on fruit-growing in a systematic and 
scientific manner. Mr. Shafer was born at Rio Vista, Solano County, June 3, 
1862, and is a son of William and Elizabeth Shafer. His father was born in 
Everett, Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and was reared and educated in his 
native State. In 1851, at the age of twenty-one, he came to California via the 
Isthmus of Panama and located in Sacramento, where he engaged in freight- 
ing on the Sacramento River. Later he engaged in stock-raising on Andrews 
Island, making his home at Rio Vista. In 1867 he disposed of his land on the 
island and came to Contra Costa County and engaged in farming. He ac- 
quired much land in this section and set out a large part of it to almonds. 
William Shafer, father of our subject, married Elizabeth Pierce, of Indiana. 
To this union were born five children — Adrian H., Hannah J., George H., 
Mabel, and Minnie. Adrian received his education in the Eden Plains school 
and business college. He followed bookkeeping in San Francisco for five 
years and in Los Angeles two years. He returned to the farm for a time and 
later removed to Oakland, where he became associated with the Paraffine 
Paint Company for five years. The past six years he has spent on the ranch, 
where he owns one hundred acres largely set out to almonds. He also rents 
a one-hundred-acre almond orchard from the Shafer estate. In politics Mr. 
Shafer gives his support to the Republican party. He has served on the 
Brentwood school board for six years and takes an active interest in educa- 
tional matters. Adrian H. Shafer was twice married, the first union being to 
Julia Carroll, of New Jersey, in 1888, and her death occurred in 1903. To the 
first union were born Raymond A., a student in the manual training school 
of Wisconsin, and Helen, a high-school student in Brentwood. The second 
marriage occurred on November i, 1905, to Abbie W. Call, a native of Cali- 
fornia. Fraternally, Mr. Shafer belongs to the I. O. O. F. lodge of Byron. 

EDWARD T. MARTIN. — A man of great energy, intensity of purpose, and 
strong convictions, Edward T. Martin has taken an active interest in the 
county, although a resident of Contra Costa County for only a few years. He 
was born in Oakland, California, September 17, 1889, a son of James and 
Mary (Guckian) Martin. Both parents are natives of Ireland, and came to 
this country with their parents when young. The parents of Mr. Martin were 
married in San Francisco. His father is one of Oakland's respected citizens, 
and is engaged in the plumbing business. In the parents' family there were 
four children — James, Jr., Leo, Joseph, and the subject of this review, Ed- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 607 

ward T. Martin, who acquired his education in the public schools of Oak- 
land, afterward attending St. Mary's College, graduating with the degree 
Bachelor of Arts. Mr. Martin did his duty at home, assisting his father by 
taking an active part in the business, and performing his work with effi- 
ciency. Later he took up the study of medicine and followed the drug busi- 
ness for some time, and in 1911 he became associated with the R. N. Burgess 
Company as bookkeeper in the San Francisco office. In 1913 he took the 
management of the Homestead Nursery for R. N. Burgess, with excellent 
results. Through his energetic and capable management this nursery has be- 
come one of the finest in California. Mr. Martin has acquired a wide reputa- 
tion for skill in this line of work, having devoted a great deal of time to the 
study of foreign and domestic plants. Mr. Martin occupies a comfortable 
home on what was formerly the Rice ranch. The nursery occupies about six 
hundred acres, and here friends and the public receive a hospitable welcome. 
Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Mercedes G. Mendezabal, a na- 
tive of Alameda County, April 22, 1914. To this union one child, Eleanor M., 
was born on July 24, 1915, In politics Mr. Martin is a Republican. While he 
has never aspired to office, he has always taken a keen interest in all matters 
for the betterment of the county. He is a member of the Knights of Colum- 
bus, Oakland Council, and holds the rank of lieutenant in the League of the 
Cross Cadets. The family are members of the Catholic church. 

NATHAN I. BALDWIN. — The opportunities offered by California to men 
of enterprise and sterling worth are nowhere better exemplified than in the 
successful career of Nathan I. Baldwin. He was born in Ogdensburg, New 
York, March 15, 1861, son of Frank B. and Elizabeth (Tallman) Baldwin. In 
the parents' family there were born four children. Nathan, the subject of this 
review, acquired a grammar-school education. In early life he started out for 
himself and followed various vocations, filling positions of importance and 
trust. In 1888 he decided to cast his lot with the Golden West and located in 
Fresno. He took the management of the fair grounds at Fresno, and held 
this position for three years. He then became identified with the California 
& Hawaiian Sugar Company as farm superintendent. Here he remained for 
eight years. Coming to Contra Costa County, he became associated with the 
Cowell Portland Cement Company as lessee of the commissary department, 
which he has held for eleven years. Mr. Baldwin was twice married. The first 
marriage occurred in Morristown, New York, to Ada Bolton, in 1883. To this 
union was born one daughter, Helen, now the wife of W. E. McMullen, of 
Canton, New York. The second marriage occurred on July 2;^, 1909, to Ida 
Hudson, of Oakland, California. Two children have blessed this union — Mar- 
garet, born April 4, 1911, and Barbara, born January 8, 1913. In politics Mr. 
Baldwin supports the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a Mason, holding 
membership in Vallejo Naval Commandery. He is also a member of the B. 
P. O. E. of Vallejo. Mr. Baldwin is a member of the Cowell school board. He 



6o8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

has one of the palatial homes of central Contra Costa County, and has about 
eleven acres devoted to the finest varieties of walnuts, almonds, and grapes. 

ROBERT HARROWER (deceased).— One of the representative pioneers of 
Contra Costa County, and one of the highly esteemed citizens of the county, 
was Robert Harrower, whose death occurred on December 12, 1916, at his 
home in Antioch. He was born in Dufferline, Scotland, in 1838. Here he re- 
ceived his education and grew to manhood. He worked in the mines, later 
becoming a seafaring man, and for seven years he visited many ports. Hear- 
ing about America in his travels, he came to San Francisco on July 4, 1868. 
This ended his life as a sailor. He found employment in the quarries near 
San Francisco and Santa Cruz. In September following his arrival in San 
Francisco he was married to Christina Athie, a native of Scotland. He came 
to Black Diamond (now Pittsburg), where he found work in the mines. In 
1871 he purchased what is known as the Harrower ranch south of Antioch, 
and owned four hundred and eighty acres of land. Into the family there were 
born three children — Robert, Jr., Lizzie (married to Charles Richey, of An- 
tioch, and to this union were born May, Stella, and John), Maggie (married 
to William Leishman, of San Francisco, and has three children. Hazel, 
Grace, and Elizabeth). Robert Harrower, Jr., was born on May 25, 1871, and 
resides on the home place and carries on general farming. He was educated 
in the Deer Valley and Empire schools, after which he attended business 
college in Stockton. Returning home he took an active part in the ranch 
management. He is a member of General Winn Parlor, N. S. G. W., the Ma- 
sonic lodge of Brentwood, and the I. O. O. F. lodge of Antioch. In politics 
Mr. Harrower, like his father, has always been identified with the Republi- 
can party. 

CHARLES H. HAYDEN, one of the men of Contra Costa County who, by 
reason of his personal integrity and ability, is recognized as one of the lead- 
ing men of Martinez, was born in Calhoun County, Iowa, June 29, 1870. In 
1896 he located in Martinez, where he became identified with E. Morgan in 
the hardware and plumbing store for a period of eight years. On July 10, 
1905, he was appointed justice of the peace to fill out the unexpired term of 
David S. Carpenter, and Mr. Hayden has held the office since. In the last 
two terms he has had no opposition at the polls. Politically, he is a Republi- 
can, and he has done much toward increasing Republican prestige in the 
county, and enjoys in full measure the confidence and respect of his fellow- 
men. Fraternally, Mr. Hayden is a member of the Knights of Pythias and 
the Woodmen of the World. He was united in marriage to Miss Lettie M. 
Cottrell, a native of Texas, December 28, 1898. To this union there have been 
three children — Hoyt H., born August 31, 1903; Hilda H., born May 25, 1907; 
and Ruth M., died in infancy. Mrs. Hayden is a member of the Pythian Sis- 
ters and the Women of Woodcraft, and takes an active part in the social cir- 
cles of Martinez. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 609 

FRED ALMOND. — The ability that Fred Almond has manifested in his ag- 
ricultural operations in Contra Costa County has placed him among the rep- 
resentative farmers in his locality. Mr. Almond is a native of England, and 
was born on July 26, 1869. He is a son of James and Hannah (Busfield) Al- 
mond, both natives of England. At the age of eight years Mr, Almond came 
to this country with his parents and located in Allegan, Michigan, where his 
father took up farming. Fred acquired his education in Allegan, and assisted 
on the home place until he was nearly of age, when he went to Kalamazoo, 
Michigan, and worked in a hospital for nearly three years. In 1892 he came 
to San Francisco, where he worked for the City Railway Company for a pe- 
riod of seventeen years, and up to the time of the last strike, in 1907, at 
which time Mr. Almond left his employment with the road and never went 
back to take up his old position. In 1909 he removed to Contra Costa County 
and purchased, with his brother John, the Los Lomas ranch, which has been 
highly improved and set out largely to fruit and grapes. Mr. Almond was 
united in marriage to Lillie Westerberg, a native of San Francisco, June 10, 
1896. To this union there have been six children — Irving W., born May 2, 
1897; Lloyd J., born August 27, 1898; Frederick V., born May 24, 1908; Ver- 
non W., born September 4, 1910; Ellis B., born June 30, 1912, and Hester Vir- 
ginia, born February 21, 1914. Mrs. Almond's parents, Amanda and Frederick 
Westerberg, were among the early settlers in San Francisco. Her father 
owned and operated the schooner "Ringleader." Mr. and Mrs. Almond have 
recently erected a new home on a conspicuous spot having a fine view of the 
surrounding country. 

URSA S. ABBOTT, M. D. — Among the prominent physicians of the Bay 
counties is Doctor Ursa S. Abbott, who for many years has practiced in 
Richmond with ever-increasing success. He is a native of Ohio, being born 
at Clearport on June 3, 1873. He is the son of Lafayette and Mary E. (Ly- 
singer) Abbott. His father was a native of Vermont, and his mother a native 
of Pennsylvania. His father was a successful merchant, and was numbered 
among the representative men of his locality. His death occurred in 1895, 
and Doctor Abbott's mother died in 1897. In the parents' family there were 
ten children, of whom seven are still living. Doctor Abbott, the seventh in 
order of birth, received his education in the public schools in Clearport, 
Ohio. He attended Heidelberg University at Tiffin, Ohio, for two years. He 
then entered the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, but owing to ill- 
health in his senior year was obliged to discontinue his studies there. In 
1898 he entered the Ohio Medical University at Columbus, where he re- 
mained one year, spending the following year in Chicago, where he entered 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons. On account of failing health he was 
obliged to seek a different climate, and went to Denver, Colorado, where he 
entered the Gross Medical College. Later Doctor Abbott came to California 
and graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Fran- 



6io HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

cisco in 1902. He received a position as physician on a German steamship, 
and sailed in December, 1902, for Hamburg, Germany. The trip covered sev- 
enteen thousand miles, calling at various ports in Central and South Amer- 
ica, Cape Verde and Canary Islands, France, England, and Germany. Re- 
turning to New York, Doctor Abbott took a postgraduate course at the 
postgraduate school and hospital and was appointed as physician on the 
New York City Board of Health in 1903. Here he continued until the follow- 
ing fall, when he removed to Colorado, locating at Grand Junction, where 
he remained for a period of five years. In 1908 he returned to Richmond and 
began practicing his profession, forming a copartnership with Doctor C. L. 
Abbott in 1909. Doctors C. L. and U. S. Abbott are constantly in touch with 
the most advanced medical thoughts of their profession, and their personal 
characteristics have gained them the warm regard and friendships of many, 
while in professional lines they have attained that eminence which comes 
only in recognition of merit and ability. On September 7, 1904, Doctor U. S. 
Abbott was united in marriage to Miss Rose Carolyn Keller, of Lancaster, 
Ohio, daughter of John B. and Elizabeth (Hartman) Keller, both natives of 
Germany. In his political views Doctor U. S. Abbott is an ardent Republican, 
He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World, 
the Elks, and is a Royal Arch Mason. He is medical examiner for the Wood- 
men of the World, the New York Life Insurance Company, and various 
other insurance companies. He served as president of the Contra Costa Med- 
ical Society in 1914-15. He is a member of the Phi Chi Fraternity of Ann 
Arbor, Michigan, and the Union League Club of San Francisco. Doctors C. 
L. Abbott and U. S. Abbott are local surgeons for the Santa Fe Railroad, the 
Pullman shops, the Atlas & Giant Powder Company, and are also on the medi- 
cal staff of surgeons for the Standard Oil Company. They have just com- 
pleted and moved into the Abbott Building, 912 Macdonald Avenue, Rich- 
mond, one of the most modern buildings in the city. Mrs. U. S. Abbott is 
prominently identified with the social affairs of Richmond, and has served 
on the Woman's Board of the Panama-Pacific Exposition. She is now ac- 
tively engaged in the work of the Red Cross. 

LOUIS N. BUTTNER (deceased).— Although several years have elapsed 
since Louis N. Buttner passed from the scenes of his activities, his memory 
is still green in the hearts of his family and friends. Mr. Buttner was born 
in Sunol, Alameda County, January 20, 1867. He was the son of George and 
Elizabeth Buttner, who were among the pioneer settlers in Alameda County. 
Louis N. Buttner acquired his education in the public schools of Alameda 
County. Early in life he became associated with the Southern Pacific Com- 
pany at Port Costa. He remained with this company for a period of fifteen 
years. He was then appointed to fill out the unexpired term as county treas- 
urer of George Wiley, and at the following general election he was elected 
to that office. He continued in office seven years, still holding at the time of 



BIOGRAPHICAL 6i I 

his death, which occurred June 27, 1913. Mr. Buttner gave his political sup- 
port to the Republican party. He served on the education board of the 
Crockett high school, and on the Port Costa grammar-school board. Frater- 
nally, Mr. Buttner held membership in the Masonic lodge of Martinez, and 
for two terms he served as master of his lodge. He is also a Knight Tem- 
plar. On August 2, 1887, he married Miss Mary Hendry, of San Francisco, 
daughter of William and Margaret Hendry. Mrs. Buttner's father was a na- 
tive of Scotland, and came direct to California in 1851 via the Isthmus route 
and settled in San Francisco. Her mother came to this State in 1854 and lo- 
cated in San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Buttner have had three children — Har- 
old, born at Port Costa on November 3, 1894, graduate of the University of 
California, taking an electrical engineering course; Edgar, born in San 
Francisco on August 17, 1899; Ethel, died in infancy. 

JAMES N. LONG. — One of the most progressive and enterprising men of 
Richmond is James N. Long. He is recognized as a far-sighted and re- 
sourceful man in his locality. He was born in San Francisco on May 7, 1883. 
His parents are Frank W. and Katherine Long. His father is a native of 
Sonoma County, California, and his grandfather came from Missouri to Cal- 
ifornia in the early days. The father of James N. Long was for many years 
one of the leading contractors in the Napa Valley. He is now retired. His 
mother is still living. The parents of Mr. Long had three children — Doretta, 
wife of J. I. Hohn, of Napa; Edna, residing with her parents, and the sub- 
ject of this review. James N. acquired his education in the public schools of 
Vallejo, after which he learned the plaster trade. This vocation he has fol- 
lowed all his life. He is trustworthy and always to be relied upon to fulfill 
any contract to the letter; therefore, he enjoys a high reputation, which has 
secured him many important contracts. On December 16, 1906, Mr. Long 
was united in marriage to Miss Delia A. Johnson, daughter of M. A. John- 
son, of Sonoma, one of the respected pioneers of his locality. Politically, 
Mr. Long is a Republican, and has been active along party lines. He served 
as a member of the Richmond educational board for a number of years. He 
is interested in the growth and prosperity of Richmond and the whole coun- 
ty, and is ever ready to bear his share in promoting advancement and devel- 
opment. Mr. Long is prominent in the Masonic order, holding membership 
in the Richmond lodge and chapter. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Mod- 
ern Woodmen, Eastern Star, and other orders. About eight years ago Mr. 
Long removed to Richmond. In matters of citizenship he is intensely loyal 
and public-spirited, and gives his indorsement to every movement that will 
advance the municipality or promote the welfare of the community along 
the various lines of human activity. 



ZEB. KNOTT, one of the representative business men of Richmond, wa 
born in Knoxville, Tennessee, October 9, 1878. He acquired his education i 



was 
in 



6i2 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

the schools of Knoxville, after which he learned the painting and decorating 
trade. He has always been identified with this business and has worked in 
many important cities. He came to Richmond, Contra Costa County, in 1910. 
He has had many important contracts, among which was the contract for 
the Pullman shops from R. & S. Solitt Company. In 1913 Mr. Knott estab- 
lished his present store, and carries a complete line of wall-paper, paints, 
etc. He was married to Amanda Fellwock, a native of Illinois, in 1907. Mr. 
Knott was chosen by the people of Contra Costa County to represent them 
as supervisor in 1914 for the four-year term. He is a progressive and enter- 
prising business man, and gives his support to any movement for the better- 
ment of conditions in Richmond and Contra Costa County. 

MANUEL J. PIMENTEL, one of the representative men of eastern Contra 
Costa County, was born in Portugal on March 17, 1868. He acquired his edu- 
cation in the schools of his native land, and at the age of sixteen he came to 
America. He located in Fresno, where he readily found employment. Later 
he removed to Madera, where he engaged with a sheepman for a period of 
one year. He then bought sheep, and has always been engaged in this busi- 
ness. He was identified with this business in Contra Costa County, while he 
was a resident of Madera for some years. Mr. Pimentel was married to Mary 
Lawrence, and her death occurred in 1904. His second marriage was to Anna 
Ramos, of Santa Rosa, California. To this union was born one daughter, 
Josephine E. Mr. Pimentel gives his political support to the Republican 
party. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. D. E. S. and the U. P. E. C. He 
deals extensively in sheep, and is one of the prominent men of Byron. 

WILLIAM A. HALE. — A native-born citizen of Contra Costa County, and 
a son of a pioneer of prominence, William A. Hale, cashier of the Bank of 
Martinez, has taken a great interest in the welfare of the county in which he 
was born, and especially in Martinez. He has been actively identified with 
the promotion of its industrial and business growth, and as a man of ability 
and energy he is highly esteemed. Mr. Hale was born in Pacheco in this 
county. His father, William Morrell Hale, was a native of Ohio, and came to 
California and located in Placerville, later removing to Pacheco, where he 
and his brother Henry engaged in mercantile business for many years. Wil- 
liam A. Hale, the subject of this review, was born on December 31, 1864. He 
received his education in the public schools of this county, after which, in 
1883, he became associated with the Bank of Martinez. In 1899 Mr. Hale was 
made cashier, which office he has filled continuously since. He gives his 
political support to the Republican party. He has served as trustee of Mar- 
tinez for some twelve years, and was chairman of the board. Mr. Hale was 
married to Miss Jennie Ipswitch, a native of San Francisco, October 12, 
1887. They have two children — William Morrell, born June 27, 1893, and Ida 
May, born October 27, 1891, the wife of E. C. Livingston, of Los Angeles. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 613 

Fraternally, Mr. Hale is very prominent in the Masonic fraternity and has 
done much to promote the good of the order. He is a member of Martinez 
Lodge, F. & A. M., Martinez Chapter, R. A. M., a Knight Templar, and a 
member of the Eastern Star. Mr. Hale is popular with his business asso- 
ciates, and has the good-will of all who know him. 

WILLIAM MORRELL HALE (deceased).— Among the influential men of 
Contra Costa County who occupied a position of prominence was William 
Morrell Hale. He was born on September 20, 1831, at Milford, Union County, 
Ohio. His father was a farmer and settled in that locality in the very early 
days and assisted in settling the country. William M. Hale was reared on a 
farm, receiving a common-school education, after which he attended an 
academy for boys. Finishing his schooling, he worked at the mercantile bus- 
iness in Columbus, Ohio, and in 1853 he came to California and located in 
Placerville, where he was prominently identified with the business interests 
of that flourishing town during the boom days. Mr. Hale and N. C. Fasset 
operated a mercantile store for some time, when they removed to Pacheco 
in 1858 and opened a store here under the firm name of Hale & Fasset. Later 
Mr. Fasset resigned from the business and Henry M. Hale, a brother of 
William M., came on from Ohio, secured an interest in the business, and the 
firm then became Hale Brothers. They were potent factors in the upbuilding 
and promotion of Pacheco. Hale Brothers started a bank at Pacheco, which 
was operated in connection with the general mercantile store for a long 
time. Eventually they disposed of their holdings and removed to Martinez, 
and in connection with Lafayette I. and Charles Fish and others, started the 
Bank of Martinez, William M. Hale becoming cashier. Mr. Hale was married 
to Mary Lyon, a native of Detroit, Michigan, in 1863. She was reared in 
Illinois. There were four children to this union, two of whom died in infancy. 
Ida May died at the age of nineteen, and William A. succeeded his father 
in the bank as cashier. In politics William M. Hale was a Republican, but 
never aspired to public ofiice. He served as chairman of the Republican 
Central Committee at different times and was a school trustee many years 
in Martinez. His death occurred on August 20, 1883, and his brother Henry 
died on January 6, 1899. Hale Brothers were men of unswerving integrity 
and of high general standing in Contra Costa County, and their noble aims 
in life secured the confidence and respect of all who knew them. 

CHARLES G. YONCE, identified with the business interests of Richmond, 
California, is a native of eastern Tennessee. He was born on October 16, 
1879, son of Calvin and Mary M. (Jackson) Yonce. Mr. Yonce's mother is a 
great-granddaughter of General Jackson of the Confederate Army. Three 
children have been born in Mr. Yonce parents' family — Nora, Eugenia, and 
Charles G. The subject of this review acquired his schooling in Kings Col- 
lege, Bristol, Tennessee, while his sisters received their education at Sullins 



6i4 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

College in the same town. Completing his education, Charles G. Yonce en- 
listed in the Spanish-American War and went to Cuba, where he remained 
one year. He was with the Fourth Tennessee regulars and served on de- 
tached duty. He received his discharge at Savannah, Georgia, in 1899. He 
then removed to Richmond, Virginia, where he became identified with the 
gentlemen's furnishing business. He went to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, Hous- 
ton, Texas, and Washington, D. C. In the latter city he remained eight years, 
and was associated with the same business. Mr. Yonce came to Oakland, 
California, where he spent nearly two years, when he then settled in Rich- 
mond, Contra Costa County. He purchased the clothing and gentlemen's 
furnishing goods store of Linville Brothers, near Sixth Street, in 1912. He 
moved into his present commodious store on May 22, 1913. Fraternally, Mr. 
Yonce is a member of the B. P. O. E., the Moose, the Knights of Pythias, the 
Modern Woodmen, the Yeomen, and the Red Men. He is also a member of 
the Spanish-American War Veterans. On November 8, 1909, he was united 
in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Gertrude Culp, of Washington, D. C. Mrs. 
Yonce is a daughter of John and Catherine Culp. Her father for many years 
had charge of the gun-carriage shop at the Washington Navy Yard. His 
death occurred in April, 1914. Her mother resides in Washington. Mrs. Yonce 
takes an active part in the social duties of Richmond. 

MADISON RALPH JONES. — Characterized by the same energetic activ- 
ity, mental vigor, and business foresight that distinguished his father, Mad- 
ison Ralph Jones, holds a high position among the leading attorneys of San 
Francisco and the Bay counties. He was born in Martinez, California, De- 
cember IS, 1872, the son of Hon. Joseph P. Jones, who was a native of Owen 
County, Indiana, and was born on January 27, 1844. When he was nine years 
of age his parents removed to Marion County, Oregon, where he attended 
the public schools and afterwards entered the Willamette University at Sa- 
lem, graduating in 1864. In 1865 he returned to his native State and attended 
the State University at Bloomington, where he graduated from the law de- 
partment in 1867. Returning to Oregon, he remained for a time, and then 
located in the mining section of northern California, where he resided until 
December, 1869. In that year he came to Martinez and entered upon the prac- 
tice of his profession and achieved success. He was appointed deputy district 
attorney under H. Mills, and continued in this office until the fall of 1875, 
when he was nominated and elected on the Republican ticket to the office of 
district attorney, which office he held until March, 1878. In the fall of 1880 he 
was elected to the Assembly and served at the general and extra sessions of 
the legislature, being a member of the judiciary committee, as well as chair- 
man of the committee on federal relations. Mr. Jones practiced his profes- 
sion in Martinez with H. Mills under the firm name of Mills & Jones for a 
long period. Mr. Jones was elected by the people of Contra Costa County 
to represent them as superior judge, and he served in this capacity for thir- 



BIOGRAPHICAL 615 

teen years. His death occurred in January, 1900. Madison Ralph Jones, the 
subject of this review, acquired his education in the public and high schools, 
after which he attended the University of California, graduating in 1895, re- 
ceiving the degree of A. B. He graduated from the Columbian Law School, 
Washington, D. C, with the degree of B. L. L, in 1897. In 1900 he returned 
to Martinez and practiced law until he removed to San Francisco, when he 
entered the law firm of Titus, Creed, Jones & Dall. Mr. Jones served as a 
member of the State legislature in 191 1. He was married to Carolyn L. Oli- 
ver, of Oakland, February 12, 1908. To this union have been born Madison 
Ralph, Jr., Oliver Randolph, and Carleton Letts. Politically, Mr. Jones ad- 
heres to the principles advocated in the platform of the Republican party. 

HON. WARREN BROWN (deceased) was born in Morgan County, Illi- 
nois, June 19, 1826. His parents removed to Platte County, Missouri, where 
he received his education. Mr. Brown, with his father, the Hon. Elam Brown, 
started from Missouri for California in the latter part of April, 1846. Elam 
Brown was appointed captain of the train, and all went well en route until 
the north fork of the Platte River was reached, when typhoid fever broke 
out and Warren Brown was stricken. He was taken to Fort Bridger, where 
he was compelled to remain, while the train proceeded. Mr. Brown's recov- 
ery was slow, but his health was restored, and he took his departure from 
the fort on October 12th, and arrived in Portland on December 9, 1846. Here 
Mr. Brown engaged in the cooperage business until September of the fol- 
lowing year, when he joined his father in the San Antonio redwoods, where 
he remained until June, 1848. On the discovery of gold Mr. Brown was one 
of the first to go to the mines. After mining successfully on the American 
River, he returned to Contra Costa County and, with his brother, the Hon. 
T. A. Brown, and N. B. Smith, opened a general merchandise store in Mar- 
tinez. In 1850 Warren Brown was elected county surveyor. He resigned in 
1853, and in 1854 he was elected to the State Assembly. In 1869 he was elec- 
ted sherifT, and served until 1871. For four years he farmed near Martinez, 
and then purchased five hundred and fifty acres adjoining his father's place 
at Lafayette. The Hon. Warren Brown was married to Laura A. Hastings, 
a native of Ohio, October 16, 1854, and her death occurred April 9, 1914. 
Warren Brown's death occurred on May 14, 1889. 

HENRY TOLER BROWN.— One of the representative and highly re- 
spected citizens of Lafayette is Henry T. Brown. His birth occurred on July 
3, 1859, in Los Angeles, California. He acquired his education in the public 
schools of Contra Costa County, after which he graduated from the Pacific 
Business College in San Francisco. Early in life Mr. Brown learned the 
printer's trade and followed this vocation for about three years. He then re- 
turned to Lafayette, where he took up ranching. After remaining in Lafay- 
ette for some time, he removed to Berkeley, where he resided for two years, 



6i6 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

while his son attended the university. Aside from the brief stay in Berkeley, 
Mr. Brown has always been identified with agricultural pursuits. He has one 
of the prettiest home places in Lafayette, and has about five hundred acres 
of choice land. Mr. Brown was united in marriage on December i8, 1879, to 
Miss Annie Willebrands, of Oakland, a daughter of J. H, and Margaret 
Willebrands. Four children have blessed this union— Laura Estella, born 
September 3, 1880, wife of J. H. Mulliken; Lloyd Lansford, born July 29, 
1886, died July 19, 1914; Chester Warren, born September 28, 1889, died Oc- 
tober 17, 1900; and Sybil Erminia, born May 4, 1893. During his long term of 
residence in Contra Costa County Mr. Brown has witnessed the growth 
and development of his section with pride, and in many ways he has assisted 
in advancing the interests of his imm.ediate locality. In his political convic- 
tions Mr. Brown is a staunch Republican. For several years he has served 
as school trustee, always taking a deep interest in educational affairs. 

ALBERT LITTLE BANCROFT.— When our country was still in the col- 
onial period of its existence the Bancroft family became identified with its 
history and bore an honorable part. During the Revolutionary period Mr. 
Bancroft's ancestor on his mother's side was a Colonial governor. Albert L. 
Bancroft was born in Granville, Ohio, May 15, 1841, son of A. A. and Lucy 
(Howe) Bancroft. Mr. Bancroft's father was identified with the Govern- 
ment as Indian agent in Washington for some years. After attending the 
schools of Ohio, at the age of eighteen, Albert L. Bancroft decided to cast 
his lot with the Golden State, and came to California via the Isthmus route. 
At an early age he engaged in the book-publishing business with his brother, 
H. H. Bancroft, and for many years operated the largest book-store and 
publishing concern on the Pacific Coast. On the retirement of H. H. Ban- 
croft, Albert L. Bancroft continued in the business, under the firm name of 
A. L. Bancroft & Company, and while he maintained his office in the 
city, and also gave his personal attention to that business, he purchased 
one hundred and eighty-three acres of the choicest land in the Ygnacio Val- 
ley, and Mrs. Bancroft took charge of all agricultural and horticultural de- 
velopments. Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft added to their holdings in the valley 
until they had six hundred acres. With a wise judgment that would have 
done credit to an experienced man, Mrs. Bancroft took the management of 
the ranch, superintended its cultivation, gathered in its harvest, and care- 
fully looked after all details. The A. L. Bancroft place was the second com- 
mercial orchard in the Ygnacio Valley. It has been set out to the choicest 
varieties of pears, peaches, apricots, French prunes, and almonds. The value 
of the property is enhanced by substantial buildings, and through the ener- 
getic and capable management of Mrs. Bancroft this orchard became one of 
the best in Contra Costa County. Mrs. Bancroft has acquired a wide repu- 
tation for her skill along horticultural lines. When Mr. and Mrs. Bancroft 
took up their residence here they had the land cleared of a great many 



BIOGRAPHICAL 617 

handsome oak trees, although about two hundred have been left for shade. 
While Albert L. Bancroft led a busy life, he never neglected his duty as a 
citizen, but was always ready to assist in the promotion of worthy projects. 
When the Bohemian Club was formed he was one of its first members, and 
was also a member of and at one time president of the Olympic Club. He 
was a life member of the Institute of Art and a member of many organiza- 
tions. He did much good and contributed freely toward charitable works, 
and educated many boys and girls so they secured profitable positions in 
life. On January 11, 1866, Albert L. Bancroft was married to Miss Fannie A. 
Watts, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of John S. and Elizabeth Ann 
(Howe) Watts. To Mr, and Mrs. Bancroft have been born five children — 
Bert H., Frank W., Alberta (wife of J. S. Reid, deceased), Sarah (wife of 
Donald H. Fry, residing in southern California), and John S., now in the 
East. Bert H. Bancroft was manager of Aloha Farm for many years. He 
planned and carried through successfully the first irrigating system used in 
this part of the county. Mrs. Bancroft has been a member of the Daughters 
of the American Revolution for many years, and served as regent of Se- 
quoia Chapter and later filled the chair in the California Chapter. She is a 
member of the Century Club of San Francisco, and was elected an honorary 
member of the State Board of Trade. She served as honorary vice-president 
to represent Contra Costa County at the Panama-Pacific Exposition. She has 
traveled extensively, making her home in Europe three years. She crossed 
the Atlantic eight times and during the winter of 1916 visited in Honolulu. 
Mrs. Bancroft's son, Frank W. Bancroft, was identified with the faculty of 
the Rockefeller Institute of New York City, and resigned to take charge of 
his mother's interests. "Aloha Farm," as Mrs. Bancroft's estate is known, is 
ideally located and is unexcelled for fruit-growing. Twenty-two thousand 
boxes of fruit was shipped during the season of 1916, and a dam has been 
built that will irrigate about five hundred acres of land, with a capacity of 
653,445 cubic feet. Bancroft Station is situated on the property, and a modern 
packing-house was erected during 1917. Albert L. Bancroft passed away Oc- 
tober 14, 1914. He was an upright and generous man, contributing to worthy 
causes, and his death was mourned by all who knew him. 

ELY I. HUTCHINSON, a pioneer rancher and orchardist, holds a promi- 
nent place among the most representative citizens of Contra Costa County. 
He was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, August 22, 1847, son of Champion I. 
and Catherine L. (Hatch) Hutchinson. His father was a native of Con- 
necticut, and his mother was from Virginia. Mr. Hutchinson acquired his 
earliest education in the public schools of Sacramento, after which he at- 
tended the old College of California, in Oakland, the predecessor of the Uni- 
versity of California. Afterward he attended Yale College, graduating with 
the class of 1869. He was admitted to the bar of California in 1873, and be- 
gan the practice of law in San Francisco, in which he continued for ten 



6i8 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

years. Mr. Hutchinson before coming to Contra Costa County resided in 
Sacramento, in Yolo County, near where Davis now stands, and in San 
Francisco. He gave up the practice of law and moved to Ygnacio Valley, 
where he purchased six hundred acres of the Munson Gregory ranch. This 
property is now one of the most valuable in Contra Costa County, and is 
set out largely to apricots and walnuts. Mr. Hutchinson might fairly be 
termed the pioneer in walnut-growing extensively, by grafting foreign vari- 
eties on the California black walnut trees. He was united in marriage in 
1885 to Helen J. Woodward, a daughter of Robert B. Woodward, a well- 
known pioneer, and the founder of the once celebrated Woodward's Gardens 
of San Francisco. To Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson have been born three 
daughters — Ruth, now the wife of Martin W. Joost, of Martinez; and Cath- 
erine and Mary, residing at home. Fraternally, Mr. Hutchinson is a Mason, 
being a member of lodge, chapter, and commandery of San Francisco. He is 
past master of Oriental Lodge, F. & A. M., and also an honorary member 
of the I. D. E. S. and the U. P. E. C, Portuguese societies, Mr. Hutchinson's 
father was several times mayor of Sacramento, president of the State Agri- 
cultural Society in the fifties, and a leading organizer of the first company 
to make beet sugar in California. > 

DANIEL W. McLaughlin (deceased) was one of the representative 
business men of Contra Costa County. He was one of the foremost in Rich- 
mond's activities along real-estate lines. He was both forceful and resource- 
ful, recognized possibilities and utilized them, and he planned big things 
and accomplished them. He was born in Dubuque County, Iowa, June 2T, 
1867. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native State. He 
attended college and taught school in Dakota during the territorial days. He 
rode the plains and lived among the Indians. In 1888 he removed to Cali- 
fornia and located in Berkeley, where he was identified with the planing- 
mill business for a period of eight years. He then became actively engaged 
in the life-insurance business, and traveled extensively for six years. Mr. 
McLaughlin's wide acquaintance and experience among all classes of people 
gave him exceptional opportunities. He embarked in the real-estate business 
in Berkeley for a time. In 1907 he saw the possibilities of Richmond and re- 
moved there, confining his interests to this locality largely. He became one 
of the most progressive men of that city, controlling large and important 
interests. He was vice-president and manager of the East Richmond Heights 
Land Company, which controls five hundred acres in five tracts. He was 
also identified with the Richmond Boiler & Machine Works. Politically, he 
was affiliated with the Republican party. He served on the Berkeley library 
board for several years. Fraternally, Mr. McLaughlin was a member of the 
B. P. O. E. of Berkeley, and the I. O. O. F. He was united in marriage to 
Miss Katherine Maloney on December 28, 1893. To this union were born four 
children — Margaret, Nell, Daniel, and Linwood. Mr. McLaughlin was ever 



BIOGRAPHICAL 619 

enlisting his powers and abilities in the support of any movements that made 
for the betterment of conditions in Richmond. 

THOMAS B. SWIFT. — No greater evidence of popularity or eminent fit- 
ness for the important responsibility is required of Thomas B. Swift than 
the fact that he is successfully filling the position of superintendent of the 
Mountain Copper Company at Martinez. He was born on April 29, 1872, at 
St. Louis, Missouri, son of Benjamin S. and Carrie A. Swift, both parents 
being natives of Maine. Thomas B. Swift received his education in the New 
York public schools, the College of the City of New York, and graduated 
from the chemical department of the New York City night school. He be- 
came identified with the chemical and metallurgical laboratories of New 
York City for three years. He then became connected with the Mountain 
Copper Company, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, for a period of ten years. In 
1906 Mr. Swift came to Martinez, where he holds the position as superinten- 
dent of his concern. He was married on February i, 1896, to Miss Nellie B. 
Smith, of New York City, and their three children are Thomas Brewster, 
Margaret B., and Eleanor C. Mr. Swift has served as clerk of the Martinez 
grammar-school board for a period of four years, and he has also served on 
the grand jury in Contra Costa County during 1916-17. Fraternally, he is 
affiliated with the Masonic lodge of Martinez and is master of his lodge. 
He is a broad-minded and public-spirited man, and has won success and is 
liked by his fellow-man. 

EDWARD B. SMALLWOOD.— The name which heads this review is one 
of Richmond's representative business men and is well known throughout 
Contra Costa County. He was born in Missouri on December 20, 1856, and 
acquired his education in the University of Missouri, at Columbia. In 1876 
Mr. Smallwood came west, locating in Santa Rosa, and there learned the 
undertaking trade. He remained in that town five years, and then removed to 
Oakdale, California, where he engaged in the undertaking business until 
1891, when he went to Los Banos, where he was identified with the business 
for ten years. In 1904 Mr. Smallwood located in Richmond, engaging in the 
furniture and undertaking business. Afterward he disposed of the furniture 
business to L. H. Schrader, and continued in the undertaking business ex- 
clusively. In politics Mr. Smallwood is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a 
member of the Masons, the B. P. O. E., the Red Men, the Moose, the Druids, 
and the I. O. O. F. Mr. Smallwood was married to Nellie Ingalls, of Iowa, 
and to this union was born one son, Walter. 

ALVARADO J. SOTO (deceased) is remembered throughout Contra Costa 
County as a representative of the best type of citizenship. His name is wide- 
ly known and carries with it an influence and power toward the betterment 
of the community in which he lived. Alvarado J. Soto was a son of the late 
Silverio I. C. Soto. The pioneer history of California is replete with inter- 



620 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

esting experiences of many of her first citizens. Prominent among them was 
the Soto family, well known throughout the State. The grandfather of A. J. 
Soto served as secretary to Governor Arguello under the Spanish regime. 
His grandmother was a Pacheco. Mr. Soto's father, Silverio I. C. Soto, was 
born in Santa Clara County in 1831, and came to this county in 1855. The 
subject of this review was born near Concord on April 10, 1858, and he was 
prominently identified with the development of this section. Mr. Soto served 
as deputy county auditor in 1880 and 1882, and was elected to that office in 
1882, and afterward re-elected many times. He served as district attorney 
for some years, and served as special inheritance-tax appraiser for three 
years. Mr. Soto was married to Miss Minnie O'Neil, a native of Solano 
County, and to this union have been born Hazel, wife of William Dock- 
stadter, of Martinez; Adele, wife of William R. Selby, of Richmond; and 
Earl Soto. Fraternally, Mr. Soto was a member of the Native Sons, the B. 
P. O. E. and the W. O. W. Before the funeral the Bar Association of Contra 
Costa County met and adopted resolutions of respect to the memory of Mr. 
Soto. The resolutions are as follows: 

Resolved, That in the death of A. J. Soto we have lost a beloved friend and 
brother, endeared to us not only by his simple, frank and pacific tempera- 
ment, his consideration for others, his genial humor, his sweet voice, so often 
heard in song on occasions festive as well as sad, his generosity and manli- 
ness of character, his freedom from narrow and sordid views, but also by his 
simple manner; by his stern sense of right; his high standard of honor; 
lofty citizenship; his clear intellect; his appreciation of the good, the noble 
and true, his love for the hills, the trees, the flowers, and the beautiful in 
nature, his enlarged and liberal views; his love of family, fondness for home, 
fidelity to friends and loyalty to and love of country, 

Resolved, That as a lawyer our deceased brother was eminent in the high 
standard of integrity he always maintained; his devotion to his clients' 
cause, his clear and logical perception coupled with a nice sense of profes- 
sional honor, 

Resolved, That we deeply deplore his loss, and shall long cherish his mem- 
ory as that of a beloved friend and brother to whom we are bound by no 
ordinary ties of affectionate respect. 

Resolved, That the President of the Bar Association of Contra Costa Coun- 
ty, request that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of 
this Court and that a copy thereof be suitably engrossed and delivered to 
the family of the deceased with an assurance of our sincere sympathy in 
their great bereavement, and that this Court be requested to now adjourn in 
deep respect to his memory. Committee : 

J. E. RODGERS, 
R. L. BOYER, 

Ralph H. Wight. 

GABRIEL MEYER.— To Gabriel Meyer belongs the title of self-made man, 
for, starting in life without experience and resources, he has through his own 
energy and initiative risen to be one of the leading merchants and business 
men of Antioch. He was born in France on March 16, 1859. His parents died 
when he was very young, and he received a very limited education. When 



BIOGRAPHICAL 621 

old enough he entered his uncle's store in his native town in France. At an 
early age he came to this country and worked for a relative in Ulster Coun- 
ty, New York. He came to Contra Costa County in 1879 and started to work 
for his brother Leopold, who died in 1913. In 1882 the brothers formed a co- 
partnership, and the management of the store was given to Gabriel Meyer. 
Mr. Meyer served the town of Antioch as treasurer for many years, his term 
expiring in 1904. Fraternally he is affiliated with the I. O. O. F. of Antioch 
and holds membership in the Encampment. Mr. Meyer was united in mar- 
riage on March 10, 1898, to Miss Mildred A. Wolf, a native of San Francisco, 
and a daughter of S. Wolf. Their daughter, Annette, was born on April 24, 
1899. Mr. Meyer erected one of the first general merchandise stores in An- 
tioch. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in a business 
way, for he started out in life empty-handed, and through his own energy 
and perseverance has worked his way upward to success^ He is a stock- 
holder in the Bank of Antioch and in the Delta Dredging Company. 

HON. THOMAS D. JOHNSTON.— Standing high among the keen, enter- 
prising, and progressive attorneys of Contra Costa County and the Bay 
region is Thomas D. Johnston, the present district attorney of this county. 
He possesses rare ability and holds a high rank among the professional men 
of this section. He was born in Kirksville, Missouri, November 7, 1877, son 
of John W. and Laura (Bell) Johnston. In the parents' family there were 
three children. Thomas D., the subject of this review, acquired a grammar- 
school education in his native State. He received a teacher's certificate and 
taught school for a period of five years in Mendocino County, where his 
parents moved in May, 1895. Mr. Johnston's father afterward removed to 
Sacramento and practiced law, and was associated with Grove L. Johnson, 
the father of ex-Governor Hiram Johnson, the law firm being Johnson & 
Johnston. His father still resides in Sacramento and is a man of ability, 
standing high among the attorneys in the Capital City. Thomas D. Johnston 
while teaching school studied law and was admitted to the bar of Califor- 
nia in December 1901. He began practice in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, 
and served as city attorney of that town for a period of four years. In 1906 
Mr. Johnston removed to San Francisco, where he remained for a time, and 
on June 10, 1907, he located in Richmond, Contra Costa County, and began to 
practice his profession. On April 21, 1908, he was appointed police judge of 
Richmond, and during his term, in the fall of 1908, he was elected to the 
State legislature. In December, 1908, he resigned the office of police judge 
to take up his duties in Sacramento. During 1909-10 he was in the State legis- 
lature, and in 1911 he served as chief deputy under Hon. A. B. McKenzie, 
then district attorney. After serving in this capacity for one year, Mr. Johns- 
ton resigned and engaged in practicing law. In the fall of 1912 he was a 
candidate for the legislature, and was elected, serving during the sessions of 
1913-14. In the fall of 1914 Mr. Johnston was elected by the people of Contra 



622 HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY 

Costa County to the office of district attorney for a period of four years, 
and took office on January i, 1915. This office he has filled with marked 
ability and judgment. Mr, Johnston was married on June 7, 1903, to Adah 
Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Mendocino County, and a daughter of Wil- 
liam and Mary (Reardon) Wilson. Their children are Thomas Donald, born 
April 14, 1904; William Reardon, born November 8, 1907; and Richard Cur- 
tis, born May 10, 1914. Fraternally, Mr. Johnston is a member and past 
officer in the I. O. O. F. and Encampment. He holds membership in the 
Eagles lodge of Richmond, the B. P. O. E. of Richmond, the Moose of Mar- 
tinez, and was past sachem of the Improved Order of Red Men — Santana 
Tribe No. 60, of Fort Bragg. Mr. Johnston has been especially active in the 
good-roads movement in this county, is a broad-minded, public-spirited 
citizen, and is one of the representative men of Contra Costa County. 

GEORGE E. NETHERTON (deceased) was one of the representative 
ranchers who resided near Martinez. He was a son of John S. Netherton, 
one of the respected pioneers of eastern Contra Costa County, who now 
resides at Santa Cruz, California. George E. Netherton attended the Excel- 
sior School, near Byron, and afterward went through business college. He 
assisted on the home place, and was married on July 31, 1895, to Clara Hoff- 
man, a daughter of William Hoffman, who died in 1891. Mr. Hoffman for 
many years operated a tannery on his farm near Martinez, this being the 
only tannery in Contra Costa County. Mr. Hoffman started a tannery in 
Alameda County in 1853. From there he went to Sacramento and worked at 
his trade until the spring of 1856, when he came to this county. He had 
eighty acres and did general farming, besides having about three thousand 
vines of choice grapes and many varieties of fruit. Mr. Hoffman was born in 
Prussia in 1821. He came to America in 1845, and to California in 1851. He 
made the trip to California via Cape Horn, and after a voyage of nine 
months landed in San Francisco on February i, 1851. He then went to the 
mines, remaining there one year. Mr. Hoffman was married to Elisa A. 
Myers, a native of Prussia, in 1858, and their children were Hermann, who 
died in 1894; Ferdinand, who died in 1892; and Clara, who married George 
E. Netherton, the subject of this sketch, and his death occurred on January 
31, 1916. To Mr. and Mrs. Netherton were born two children — Hertha and 
Clarence P. Mr. Netherton for some years operated a dairy. After his death 
his wife disposed of the stock and rented the ranch. 

JOHN B. ROOT (deceased) was one of the highly respected agriculturists 
of Contra Costa County, and was among the representative men in his 
locality. His birth occurred on September 28, 1859, and he died on December 
10, 1910. He was a son of John Foster Root, whose birth was on February 
29, 1836. The father followed mining for some time, and settled in Monterey 
County, where he took up farming in 1866. His parents crossed the plains to 
California with ox-teams, taking six months to make the journey. John 



BIOGRAPHICAL 623 

Foster Root is now residing in Lafayette, where he has made his home for 
some years. John B. Root, the subject of this review, was united in mar- 
riage to Evelyn Esther Hain, a native of Michigan, and to this union have 
been born five children — Edna E., Effie Maud, Robert Raymond, Helen Ul- 
dene, and Mildred Mabel. Edna E. Root married Lloyd L. Brown, now de- 
ceased, and to this union have been born two children — Kenneth, born Feb- 
ruary 15, 1907, and Warren, born January 12, 1914. Effie Maud Root mar- 
ried George F. Stable, residing in San Francisco, and their one daughter is 
Muriel Evelyn. Robert Raymond Root married Hazel Irene Ward, of Oak- 
land, and they reside in Happy Valley on the home place; their one daugh- 
ter is Dorothy Ward Root. Helen Uldene and Mildred Mabel Root reside 
with their mother and sister, Mrs. Edna E. Brown, in Berkeley. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was one of the most capable and progressive ranchers in 
the county and his death was mourned by a wide circle of friends. 

EDWARD WILLIAM O'BRIEN, D. D. S.— Numbered among the repre- 
sentative professional men of the Bay counties is Edward William O'Brien, 
D. D. S., of Richmond, California. He was born in San Francisco on October 
12, 1877, son of James W. and Sarah T. (Woodward) O'Brien, now residing 
in Nevada. In the parents' family there were six children — Edward W., the 
subject of this review; Josephine, who resides in Portland, Oregon; Albert 
M., a surveyor; Alice W., Edwina J., and Harold. Doctor O'Brien's father 
has been a resident of Nevada for many years, always taking an interest 
along educational lines. He served on the school board at Wadsworth for 
twenty years, also as a member of the school board at Sparks, Nevada. 
Edward W. O'Brien acquired his education in the public schools of Nevada. 
He attended the university of that State for a period of three years, and took 
a special course in chemistry. He graduated from the dental department of 
the University of California with the class of 1901, and he at once com- 
menced to practice his profession in Nevada, where he remained six years. 
In 1908 Doctor O'Brien removed to Richmond, where he is now located, 
and occupies spacious offices in the Abbott Building. He was married in 
August, 1909, to Alice E. Henderson, of Eureka, Nevada, a daughter of 
George S. Henderson, one of the respected pioneers of that State. Frater- 
nally, Doctor O'Brien holds membership in and is a charter member of the 
B. P. O. E. lodge of Richmond, and served as one of the first trustees of 
that order. 



INDEX 



INDEX 



A PAGE 

Adobe houses 9> 98 

Agriculture, crops 13, 25 

Alameda County created 80 

Alamo post-office 99 

Alfalfa culture 90 

Alvarado, Governor 67, 334 

American settlers 13 

American settlers arrive 98 

Annexation to France or England . 36 

Annual rainfall 88 

Antioch 355 

churches 366 

doctors 253 

early industries 372 

first school in 376 

fraternal societies 369 

library 230 

public improvements 376 

Asphalt 411 

Assessment roll, 1851 54 

Associated Oil Company 320, 424 

Avon 424 

B 

Bacon, Samuel Iii 

Balfour, Guthrie & Co 128 

Bank of Pacheco 271 

Banking 271 

Antioch 274 

Antioch, First National 282 

Brentwood 281 

Byron 281 

Concord, First National 280 

Contra Costa 274 

Contra Costa, First National , . . 276 

Crockett 275 

Martinez 272 

Mechanics, Richmond 277 

Pinole 275 

Richmond First National 278 

Richmond Savings 279 

San Ramon Valley 277 

Walnut Creek, First National . . 281 

Bay Point 390 

Bay Point and Brentwood doctors. 255 

Bear Flag Army 57 

Bear Flag War -30, 45 



PAGE 

Bear Flag War ends 64 

Beef and beans diet 9 

Bench and bar 194 

Bennett, S. J 140 

Big cattle profit 76, 77 

Boards of Supervisors 85 

Bounds of County 80 

Brentwood 117 

Bret Harte's story 137 

Brown, Elam 26, 28, 79, 419 

Brown, Judge Thomas A 15, 196 

Burgess, R. N 139 

Byron 426 

Hot Springs 251 

doctors 256 



Cabrillo discovers Upper California 23 

California, American territory 9 

admitted as State 28 

battalion 64 

coveted by other nations 30 

early history 6 

first governor 7 

gold rush, 1849 9 

Mexican occupation 8 

Carothers, Doctor 253 

Castro family 334 

Castro, Francisco 19 

Castro, General Jose 33 

denounces invasion 55 

Castro's men seized and shot 62 

Cattle-raising 25 

Cattle thieves 76 

Celery and asparagus 378 

Cement industry 93 

Chinese excluded 86 

Church entertainment elaborate . . 238 

Churches, first Methodist 210 

various denominations 237-247 

Climate, ideal 88 

Climate of California 24 

Coal and copper discovered 364 

Coal found 94 

Coal towns 96 

Coast Survey station 138 

Coats, Felix 28 



628 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Colton winery 322 

Concord 110-112 

doctors 256 

fire 416 

library 231 

Constitution adopted 79 

Contra Costa County : 
agricultural and horticultural 

society 419 

county court established 195 

debt funded 87 

divided 80 

health department 267 

judges 196 

library 234, 235 

medical society 269 

officials 83, 267, 324 

organized 194 

resources 141 

seal adopted 86 

Copper excitement 92 

Cortez, Hernando 6 

Court of Sessions 82 

Cowell doctors 257 

Coyotes numerous 86 

"Cradled in the hills" 117 

Crespi, Father 140 

Criminal records I45-I93 

Crockett doctors 257 

Crockett, Judge 394 

Crockett library 232 

D 

Dallas, Captain 32 

Danville doctors 258 

Deer and elk numerous no 

Delta lands 142 

Devil's abode 138 

District judges 195 

Don Caspar de Portola 7 

Downer, E. M 422 

Drake, Sir Francis 6 

Dreams of Doctor Marsh 13s 

Dried-elk food 16 

''Dry farming 129 

Dwindle, Judge 203 

E 

Early discoveries 6 

Early preachers 236 

Early settlers' customs 15 

Earthquake damages courthouse . . 86 

Eastern Contra Costa 1 16 

Ellis, Captain George 330 



PAGE 

Engelmeyer's first house. Alamo . . 99 

Era of Missions 7 

F 

"Family coach" 15 

Fernandez, Bernardo 422 

Ferry-boats, large 423 

Ferry established 84 

Fertile valleys 24, 143 

First mail-carrier 79 

Fishing facilities 17 

Flag, U. S., raised at Sonoma 49 

Ford, Henry L 49 

Ford's men surprised 58 

Ford's squad 58 

Foster House 100 

Fraternal societies 296 

Fremont, John C 27, 33 

described 63 

at Sonoma 58 

at Sutter's Fort 53 

his arrival, with Kit Carson 70 

his motley band 57 

joins the revolution 56 

Fruits and nuts 89 

Fruit planting 11 

Fruit-trees lost 73 

Fruit-tree spraying 88 

Fuel oil 410 

G 

Garden-spot of State 116 

Gold digging craze 73 

Gold discovered, 23 carats T>> 

Gold "poisoned" 137 

Gold rush to San Francisco 74 

Good roads 143 

Grain-raising 90 

Granges organized 123 

Grazing facilities 26 

Grigsby, John 42 

Grijalva saw Lower California ... 23 

H 

Hastings discovers silver 93 

Hester, C. P 202 

Hide and tallow currency 16 

Holliday, B. R 205 

Honest Indians 75 

Hospitals 265 

Hotel in fort 75 

Hough. Doctor 107 

Humming-birds in February 24 



INDEX 



629 



I PAGE 

Ide, Captain, proclamation of 53 

Ide, Judge 54 

Independence declared 65 

Indians i 

disease remedies 3 

docility of 4 

habits and customs 2 

hostility ..11,12 

inferiority of Pacific Coast i 

troublesome 68, 69 

welcome American invasion 60 

without canoes 2 

Independence Day celebrated 401 

Indian mounds 349 

Industrial centers 287 

Irrigation 124 

bill defeated 126 

new era 128 

Irwin, Governor 126 

J 

Jones, Commodore 30 

Jones, Joseph 199 

Jones, William Carey 10 

Judicial districts 82, 194 

K 

Kearney, General 72 

Knight, Mrs 34 

Knightsen 404 

L 

Lafayette 418 

Large taxpayers 85 

Legends of Mount Diablo 137 

Legislature at San Jose 79 

Library established 229 

Licenses fixed 83 

Lime quarries 93, 106 

Loganberry introduced 403 

Lumber first sawed 74 

M 

Maine to California by ship 358 

Marsh, Doctor 12, 19, 21, 79, 1 19^ 133, 251 

as a writer 22 

murder of 21, 127, 146 

Marsh House 20 

Martinez 309 

chief town of county 79 

data 324 

development board 322 

doctors 258 

ferry 283 

fires and earthquakes 317 



PAGE 

improvements 314 

progress 318 

public buildings 323 

Martinez, Ignacio 19 

Marvelous changes 102 

Mason, Colonel 28 

Mason, Governor 75 

McKenzie, Judge 204 

McKinstry, Judge 202 

McNair, R. B 311 

Mead, L. R 250 

Medical ethics 255 

Medical fees 254 

Medical profession 248 

Medical sweat-bath "temescal" . . . 248 

Members county bar 201 

Merritt, Ezekiel 40 

Mexican account Bear Flag War . . 64 

Mexican land grants II 

Mexican Republic anathematized . 38 

Mineral springs 250 

Mines and minerals 92 

Mining bubble bursts 93 

Missions described 7 

Missions founded and abandoned . 2Z 

Monte del Diablo 14, 136 

Montgomery, Captain 51 

Mormon battalion '^2. 

Mormons become wealthy 74 

Mount Diablo Estate 417 

Mount Diablo Hotel 1 11 

Mount Diablo Scenic Boulevard . . 418 

Mountain Copper Company 320 

Mountain peaks 140 

Mountain ranges 24 

Mukelemney Indians 71 

N 

Name of county 79 

Naming a town 361 

Nature's gateway 328 

Neighborly ideals 99 

No roads 84 

"No Surrender" 51 

Nortonville doctors 260 

Newspapers in county 312 

The Antioch Ledger 365 

The Brentwood News 601 

The Byron Times 428 

The California Express 313 

The Concord Sun 112 

The Concord Transcript 112 

The Contra Costa Gazette 312 

The Contra Costa Standard 314 

The Enterprise 314 



630 



INDEX 



PAGE 

The Pinole Times 422 

The Pittsburg Dispatch 389 

The Richmond Daily Independent 346 

The Richmond Daily Leader 345 

The Richmond Daily News 346 

The Richmond Record 342 

The Richmond Terminal 345 

The Thinkograph Magazine 345 

New York of the Pacific 383 

O 

Oakley 132 

Oakley and Sand Lands 399 

Oil supplants coal 95 

Old-fashioned people 103 

"Opposite Coast" 79 

P 

Pacheco 113 

business houses 115 

fires 114 

Lodge No. 117, 1. 0.0. F 115 

Pacheco, Don Salvio 105 

Padilla, Juan de 44 

Partition suits, famous 10 

Pastoral beauty 97 

"Perfidious Yankees" 35 

Petroleum wells 93 

Phelps, Captain 62 

Pico's speech 35 

Picturesque description 117 

Pinch of gold-dust for drink 360 

Pinole 421 

Pinole banks, schools, etc 422 

Pinole doctors 260 

Pioneer white settlers n, 19 

Pittsburg 288, 383 

Pittsburg doctors 261 

Pittsburg industries 385 

Pittsburg library 234 

"Point of Timber" 118 

Population Upper California 23 

Port Costa 261, 423 

Porter, C. B 109 

Portola first governor 23 

Prize potatoes 90 

Prune culture 89 

R 

Railway aid refused 86 

Railway in county 86 

Railway, Atchison, Topeka & Santa 

Fe 289 

Railway, Oakland, Antioch & East- 
ern 291 



PAGE 

Railway, Southern Pacific 287, 289 

Railway, San Ramon 289 

Ranches and rancheros 8 

Rancho Alcalanes 27 

Rankin, Miss Janet 2yz 

Refined oil and lubricants 411 

Religious 236 

Republic of California flag 49 

Revere, Lieutenant 45 

Reynolds, Judge 203 

Rich islands 90 

Rich Spanish rancheros 104 

Richmond 288 

big payroll 335 

churches 341 

doctors 261 

factories 337 

health department 268 

importance of location 326 

industries 348 

journalism 342 

library 232 

oil refinery 350 

pioneers 331 

railway shops 336 

street railways 338 

"Wonder City" 327 

81 trains a day 336 

Riley, General 28 

Rivers 24 

River Sacramento explored 67 

River transportation 285 

Road districts formed 84 

Roads and fences unknown 309 

Rodeo 407 

Rolph, George M 396 

Russian governor writes 69 

Russian supplies 71 

S 

Sandbar formation 131 

San Diego, settlement, 1769 7, 23 

Sanford, Miss 128 

San Francisco Bay 25 

San Pablo doctors 264 

San Ramon Valley 97 

San Ramon Valley school 100 

Schools 143 

Antioch 223 

Brentwood 212 

Concord 217 

Danville 214 

Deer Valley 216 

early Martinez 205 



INDEX 



631 



PAGE 

early teachers 206, 214 

Eden Plain 215 

high 207 

Hot Springs 228 

Iron House 216 

Liberty High 213 

Live Oak 211, 227 

Lone Tree 217 

Mount Diablo High 224 

Pittsburg 208 

Richmond 219, 340 

Riverview High 227 

Sycamore 213 

Vine Hill 218 

Sea-coast extensive 30 

Semple, Doctor 63 

Senatorial districts 82 

Sericulture 405 

Serra, Father Junipero 7, 140 

Shell Oil Company 318 

Shore-line lost 80 

Shuey, Homer 414 

Silver and iron found 74 

Slaughter of pioneers 52 

Sloat, Commodore 64 

Smith Lumber Company 390 

"Snootful" of whiskey 120 

Soil products 88 

Sonoma captured 41, 45 

Spanish grant litigation 98 

Squatter sovereignty 107 

Stars and Stripes raised 64 

State constitution framed 28 

Stealing 75 

Stevenson, Colonel 362 

Stewart, Lyman 408 

Stockton, Commodore 42 

Strentzel, Mrs. John 229 

Sugar Refining Company 394, 397 

Suisun Bay 286 

Sunny slopes of production 134 

Supplies purchased 50 

Sutter, John A. : 

diary 66 

account of gold discovery 73 

enters port of San Francisco 66 

at Monterey 67 

personality 78 

"Sutter's folly" "jj 

Sutter's Fort 45 



T PAGE 

Tall oats 1 18 

Tennent, Doctor 252 

Todd, William L 57 

Township No. 3 109 

Townships created 83 

Transportation facilities 142, 283 

Transportation progress loi 

Treaty between captives and captors 43 

Tule lands reclaimed 130 

Tunnel highway 416 

U 

Union Academy 100 

Union Oil Company of California . 408 



Vallejo, General M. G. : 

his centennial speech 41 

his Junto speech 38 

urges annexation to U. S 39 

urges a republic 38 

View from Mount Diablo 139 

Vineyards 91 

Visitors well treated ^^ 

W 

Walker, James T 107 

Walnut Creek 412 

churches, schools, etc 413 

doctors 265 

library 233 

Warmcastle, F. M 200 

War with Mexico ' 50 

Watson, Judge 202 

Webster opposes admission of 

California 133 

Wells, Judge 203 

Wheat growing 25, 122 

Wheat marketing 123 

Wight, R.H 106 

Wild game 16 

Wilkes' exploring squadron 69 

Williams, Jack 127 

Williamson, Miss Carrie 231 



Yankee trick 104 

Yankee sailor justice 120 

Yerba Buena 25 

Young, A. J 215 



PORTRAITS 



PAGE 

Abbott, Clark L., M. D 251 

Balra, John 75 

Bancroft, A. L iii 

Beede, H. F 357 

Biggs, Harcourt G 305 

Boone, N. S 277 

Bovo, Alfred L 281 

Brown, Henry T 419 

Buckley, William H 89 

Burg, C. H 347 

Burg, E.J 337 

Burness, Alexander 119 

Buttner, Jacob 417 

Buttner, L. N 297 

Christenson, J 131 

Coates, Col. J. R 369 

Cook, Frank S., M. D 257 

Cople, George 127 

Cutting, Henry C 329- 

Dean, Robert G 117 

Downer, E. M 275 

Emanuel, M 331 

Fish, Charles 107 

Fish, Lafayette 1 103 

Hale, W. A 271 

Hook, James S 137 

Hulaniski, F. J Frontispiece 

Hutchinson, Ely 1 115 

Johnston, Hon. Thomas D 203 



PAGE 

Knight, Geo. W 405 

Latimer, Hon. R. H 195 

Love, Robert 143 

Lucas, Joseph 63 

Marsh, Dr., Stone House 133 

Marsh, R. C 399 

Mead, Lewis Risdon 427 

Nicholl, John 17 

Norcross, Alden N 403 

Nystrom, J. R 43 

Owens, Hon. James C 333 

Plumley, A 123 

Prewett, J. G 125 

Rouse, J. C 95 

Schapiro, B 351 

Sharkey, Hon. William R 315 

Smith, Charles A 391 

Stiver, H. A 287 

Stone, B.W 99 

Taylor, A. T 121 

Trythall,J.H 373 

Turner, Capt. J. B 377 

Veale, R. R 7 

Walker, Andrew 23 

Wall, Geo. S 353 

Wernse, H. W 341 

Wightman, J. D 379 

Yonce, Charles G 349 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



PAGE 

Abbott, Clark L., M. D 431 

Abbott, Ursa S., M. D 609 

Adams, John Henry, M. D 583 

Almond, Fred 609 

Anderson, Eugene Blythe 506 

Anderson, Jance J 516 

Arata, Louis 549 

Armo, James F 464 

Arnold, James P 447 

Arnold, Ralph R 513 

Augusto, John M 566 

Bacon, Charles G 472 

Bailey, Irving R., D. D. S 558 

Baldwin, Nathan 1 607 

Balra, John 464 

Bancroft, Albert Little 616 

Barber,Elam Brown 433 

Beck, Frederick E 469 

Beede, Henry Fuller 570 

Belshaw, Charles M 432 

Belshaw, Mortimer W 432 

Bennett, Norman H 594 

Bennett, Seeley James 601 

Bessac, H. W 601 

Best, John M 462 

Biggs, Harcourt Galton 593 

Blake, Charles R., M. D 479 

Boone, Numa S 595 

Bovo, Alfred L 468 

Boyer, Rex Ladell 485 

Brackman, Louis 567 

Bray, Absolom Francis 598 

Breneman, Joseph T., M. D 459 

Brewer, Chauncey M 469 

Brooks, Joseph Franklin 457 

Brown, Henry Toler 615 

Brown, Hon. Warren 615 

Bruns, Henry 532 

Bruns, Herman H 499 

Buchanan, William J 519 

Bucholtz, Paul F 559 

Buckley, Henry Myers 593 

Bulger, Luke 499 

Burg, Carl Henry 455 

Burg, Edward J 454 

Burness, Alexander 552 



PAGE 

Buttner, Jacob 547 

Buttner, LouisN 610 

Cabral, Frank 534 

Campbell, Archibald H 461 

Carper, Ira E 579 

Chapman, Harry Day 452 

Christenson, Jiergen 605 

Coates, Col. J. R 440 

Colton. Judson Edmund 522 

Cook, Frank Stevens, M. D 544 

Cople, George 572 

Cunningham,Simon W 495 

Curry, Bert 521 

Curry, Reuben H 490 

Curtain, Michael J 470 

Cutting, Henry Colman 511 

Dahnken, Fred 590 

Dean, Robert Garwood 529 

Deasey, Simon 460 

De Land, William E 448 

Demings, James 462 

Desmond, Charles B 466 

Dobson, Ralph 528 

Donnelly, Charles F 475 

Downer, Edward M 584 

Duane, John 523 

Duggan, Auty 444 

Dunkel, Aaron E 521 

Dunn, Charles 507 

Durham, Lee 538 

Ellerhorst, Henry F 467 

Ells, Harry 567 

Elworthy, Herbert Henry 546 

Emanuel, M 595 

Faris, Arthur C 478 

Fernald, Robert L 481 

Fernandez, Manuel Lawrence, M, D. 451 

Field, George H 437 

Fish, Charles 591 

Fish, Lafayette Irving 602 

Fitzpatrick, Earl B., M. D 489 

Forsburg, Henry A 570 

Foskett, Frank W 540 

Fotheringham, William A 554 

Fox, Edson H 502 

Frankel, David 503 

4 



634 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



PAGE 

French,Charles A 532 

Geary, George Frederick 569 

Geddes, John 574 

Glaser, Paul 463 

Green, Frank R 579 

Gregory, John H 481 

Grow, Edward E. 463 

Gunauer, Moritz 575 

Guy, Charles H 510 

Hale, William A 612 

Hale, William Morrell 613 

Harkinson, Robert 544 

Harlow, Edward Howe 526 

narrower, Robert 608 

Hart, Louis E 549 

Hartwick, Fred 461 

Hauser, John J 486 

Hayden, Charles H 608 

Flayward, Orville E 509 

Heidorn, Henry W 503 

Hoey, James 484 

Hoffman, Edward C 459 

Hoffman, Samuel 514 

Holway, Frederick Melbourne 533 

Hook, James Simeon 497 

Hurley, Michael Henry 485 

Hutchinson, Ely 1 617 

Israel, David 563 

Jackson, Edward P 510 

Jacobsen, Jacob 557 

Jansse, Henry Van Tienen 536 

Jenkins, Samuel F 477 

Johnson, Charles 472 

Johnson, Charles Berndt 495 

Johnson, William J 491 

Johnston, Henry 469 

Johnston, Henry A 525 

Johnston, Hon. Thomas D 621 

Jones,Frank R 5i7 

Jones, Madison Ralph 614 

Knight, George W 501 

Knott, Zeb 611 

Koch, John 461 

Krumland, Henry G 551 

La Selle, Walter A 444 

Latimer, Hon. R. H 487 

Leech, Claude R., M. D 543 

LeMoin, Reuben 556 

Lemoin, Roy 476 

Lind, Charles H 526 

Lindsey, William 483 

Logan, Hercules 558 

Long, James N 611 

Love, Robert 587 



PAGE 

Lucas, Joseph 564 

Ludden, Charles 515 

McAvoy, Joseph M 578 

McBryde, Warren H 517 

McCabe, Henry C 582 

McFaul, Archie V 442 

McLaughlin, Daniel W 618 

McVittie, James A 479 

MacQuiddy, Dixon H 563 

Majors, Edwin A 452 

Marchi, John 523 

Marsh, Randolph C 550 

Marshall, Eugene A 467 

Marshall, Frank A 466 

Marshall, Inthus Emlen 473 

Martin, Edward T 606 

Mead, Lewis Risdon c . 560 

Merrithew, Edwin, M. D 490 

Meyer, Gabriel 620 

Moody, Percy J 573 

Morgans, William W 583 

Munday, Joseph 466 

Murphy, William Henry 552 

Narbett, James T 470 

Navellier, Ernest 458 

Neff, Francis Felix, M. D 568 

Nelson, Henry A 54^ 

Netherton, George E 622 

Nicholl,John 453 

Nicholl, John H 49i 

Norcross, Alden Nathan 437 

Norcross, Bert Leland 438 

Nystrom, John Richard 475 

O'Brien, Edward William, D. D. S. . 623 

O'Brien, Patrick 55i 

O'Hara, James 538 

Odell,Alfeus 480 

Olsen, Peter 557 

Ormsby, Alfred S 435 

Owens, Hon. James C 445 

Paasch,Richard F 471 

Pazzi, Joseph 504 

Penning, Gustav W 445 

Penry, Henry L 473 

Phillips, Virgil Augustus 480 

Pierce, Wilbur S 443 

Pimentel, Manuel J 612 

Plumley, Lorenzo Grant 581 

Poulsen, Otto A 474 

Preble, Col. Ernest A 5i4 

Preston, Colburn Johnson 574 

Prewett, Joseph G 540 

Prewett, Orlando C 556 

Putnam, George A 569 



BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX 



635 



PAGE 

Randall, Edward J 449 

Rapp, Edward P 572 

Rehnert, Ernest William 446 

Richardson, Clermont L 548 

Robbins, Elisha W 555 

Robertson, Robert F 577 

Rodgers, James E 434 

Rogers, Walter A 508 

Root, John B 622 

Roth, John 482 

Rouse, John C 604 

Royce, Patrick 577 

Rust, William F 483 

Schmidt, Bethold 478 

Schapiro, Bernard 456 

Scofield, Earl L 450 

Sellers, George 560 

Sellers, Harvey Abbott 524 

Sh'afer, Adrian H 606 

Shafer, George H 536 

Sharkey, Hon. William R 545 

Shellenberger, Charles Thomas . . . 537 

Sherlock, Alva Sherman 505 

Smallwood, Edward B 619 

Smith, Charles Axel 585 

Smith, Frank X 580 

Smith, George W 500 

Soto, Alvarado J 619 

Spencer, Harry Fremont 465 

Stiver, Hershey Annin 450 

Stone, Bruce W 543 

Stow, James M 439 

Sullenger, John Joseph 587 

Sweeney, Charles A 576 



PAGE 

Swift, Thomas B 619 

Taylor, Everett B 488 

Taylor, Volney 496 

Todaro, Guido 562 

Toussaint, Jules 460 

Trabert, Charles Luther 493 

Trull, Walter B 527 

Trythall, John H 535 

Turner, Capt. John B 504 

Turner, William G 518 

Turner & Dahnken 588 

Upham, Bradford Hervey 546 

Van Kaathoven, Arnold 555 

Van Tonningen, James Rost 554 

Vaughn, Ira Raymond 477 

Veale, R. R 565 

Von Buren, Joseph A 442 

Walker, Andrew 542 

Walker, Charles H 524 

Wall,George S 599 

Wallace, Robert, Jr 500 

Weber, Fred J 508 

Wells, Jasper Henry 486 

Wernse, Harry W 492 

White, William Lincoln 600 

Wight, Charles N 597 

Wight, Ralph H 597 

Wightman, Charles B 534 

Wightman, Joel D 436 

Williamson, William C 539 

Wilson, Rudolph A 435 

Windrem, Lee D 520 

Yonce, Charles G 613 



^ it 



